July 2026 Canine Newsletter | | |
Hi Everyone,
Happy Birthday, America!
I'm writing this before the Fourth of July, but if you read this after the fourth, I hope you've had a wonderful holiday.
Like many of you, I always think about our dogs this time of year. Fireworks may be exciting for us, but they can be frightening for our four-legged friends. So, the first article below shares a few simple ideas to help make the day—and especially the evening—a little less stressful for your dog.
Our red Australian Shepherd, Popper (the model in Beyond Dog Massage), was terrified of loud noises. Thunderstorms, hunters' gunshots, and Fourth of July fireworks all sent her through the roof. We found that a ThunderShirt, along with a pheromone diffuser, really helped. I could always tell when a storm was coming because she'd become extra clingy. I'd get her into her ThunderShirt, and while it didn't take all her fears away, it made a noticeable difference. She still insisted on spending the night in bed, making the rounds between Jim and me for reassurance.
A cautionary tale: Our previous dog, Willie (our first Poodle) was our "once in a lifetime dog". You know the kind; super easy, super smart, and one you take chances on. We decided to go to a 4th of July party a friend was having on their farm. Sometime before the fireworks started, Jim and I got separated, and I assumed Willie was with him. When we finally met up, Willie was long gone. Days passed with both of us looking for him. Finally, someone called only because Willie had a collar with our names and phone number on it. It was such a relief. I guess this is a cautionary tale because the farmer that found him would never have taken him to a vet to see if he was microchipped. Willie fit into his group of dogs just fine. It would have been sad if he had never made it back home. Luckily he did!
I've also included a story from Paws of War, whose motto is Helping Both Ends of the Leash. This remarkable organization rescues dogs and cats alongside U.S. troops serving overseas, pairs veterans with companion and service dogs, and provides support for both veterans and first responders.
Their Fourth of July post tells a wonderful story about General George Washington and an unexpected act of compassion during the Revolutionary War. I think you'll enjoy it.
We're also pleased to share that The Masterson Method® has chosen Paws of War as one of the charities we'll be supporting through our quarterly tithe. TCharity Navigator organization gives them a perfect 100% rating, and we're honored to help support the important work they do.
I wish you all a calm, safe and happy 4th!
Conley
Jupiter & Nellie
| | The Fourth of July is Right Around the Corner! |
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The Fourth of July is a fun holiday for us, but it can be one of the most stressful days of the year for our dogs. Fireworks, unfamiliar noises, flashing lights, and extra activity can overwhelm even the calmest dog. In fact, more pets go missing around the Fourth of July than almost any other holiday.
One of the best things you can do is make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before the festivities begin. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a calm dog. Take them for a long walk, play a game of fetch, or spend some time outside together earlier in the day. Burning off a little energy can help them relax when the fireworks start. It's a great excuse for both of you to enjoy some fresh air together.
The best gift you can give your dog is a safe, quiet place indoors before the fireworks begin. Close the windows, pull the curtains, and turn on some music or the television to help muffle the noise. Make sure doors and gates are secure, and check that your dog's ID tags and microchip information are current.
If your dog has struggled with fireworks in the past, consider using calming aids such as an anxiety wrap, pheromone diffuser, or calming chew. Talk with your veterinarian before trying anything new, especially if your dog takes medication or has health concerns.
Most importantly, stay calm yourself. Dogs take their cues from us, and your relaxed, reassuring presence can make a big difference. A little preparation goes a long way toward helping everyone—two-legged and four-legged—enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July.
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A Look Back at Dogs in War
Reposted From the Paws of War Website
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Across distant battlefields, Paws of War delivers dogs home to America, reuniting soldiers with the loyal companions who became family in war. This mission is rooted in a long history of dogs serving beside our troops, offering loyalty, comfort, and a sense of home in times of war.
By looking back at the dogs who served before them, we will honor a legacy that continues today and bring these powerful stories to life through authentic historical recreations at events across the country.
Our tribute begins in 1777 with the Revolutionary War story of an extraordinary act of compassion. After British General Howe had a victory on a Pennsylvania battlefield, his beloved fox terrier, Lila, wandered into the American camp. Her collar revealed that Lila belonged to the British enemy. Though defeated, General George Washington, who marched into battle alongside his own dog, Sweet Lips, understood the pain Lila’s disappearance caused his adversary.
Washington’s compassion rose quietly above the noise of war. He ordered that Lila be fed and gently groomed, treated not as a prize of war but as a beloved companion. Guided by empathy for a fellow dog owner, he arranged a temporary ceasefire so Lila could be returned safely across enemy lines.
He sent Lila back with a handwritten note: “General Washington’s compliments to General Howe, does himself the pleasure to return him a dog, which accidentally fell into his hands.”
In the midst of catastrophic war, this moment revealed a shared tenderness rooted in the bond between people and dogs. That enduring spirit is what drives the mission of Paws of War today.
Join Paws of War in a celebration honoring the dogs who have stood beside our soldiers across centuries. Then and now, these dogs offer solace, steadfast devotion and a reminder of home during war, making their safe return not just important, but essential to the mission of Paws of War.
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Is Your Dog Not Giving Responses? Don't Worry,
It Doesn't Mean Nothing Is Happening!
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Question: I’m not sure if my dog is actually releasing tension during this work… he’s pretty shy and doesn’t show much. How can I tell if it’s working?
Answer: Some dogs don’t show big, obvious releases, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Dogs that tend to “hold it in” can process the work more internally. You might not see yawning, licking, or big shifts right away. Instead, the release often comes after the interaction; when they move off, shake, lie down, or reset on their own. When doing The Masterson Method with your dog, your job is to stay soft, patient, and consistent. Keep your touch light, your focus quiet, and give your dog space to process in their own way. Shy dogs often require us to slow down even more and trust what we don’t immediately see. As Jim shows in this clip, sometimes the smallest responses (like a blink or a slight shift) are the beginning of something deeper. Watch closely… and then watch what happens after.
Join us on Wednesdays on our Canine Facebook page for more Questions and Answers, and submit your own question
| | Canine Zoom Courses for 2026 | | |
Read and Release Courses
(First in the Series)
Read and Release is the first course to start your journey with The Masterson Method Canine Bodywork. Enjoy learning from the comfort of your home.
Students will learn to recognize and use their dog’s visual responses to find and release tension. These visual responses give you insights into your dog’s physical and emotional needs. In this course, you and your canine companion will build connection, enhance movement, and improve comfort.
Fridays at 10:00 am CT, July 31, August 7, 14, 2026 with Amelia Nalli
Thursdays at 11:00 am CT, August 13, 20, 27, 2026 with Kalin Finsand
Fridays at 11:00 am CT, October 16, 23, 30, 2026 with Kalin Finsand
Mondays at 3:00 pm CT, November 9, 16, 23, 2026 with Leslie Kennedy
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Introducing Movement Courses
(Second in the Series)
Introducing Movement is your next step after completing the Read and Release Course.
Adding to the foundation of using touch effectively and understanding what your dog is communicating, you are ready to start applying Masterson Method Movement Techniques. In this course, you will learn all movement techniques from the Beyond Dog Massage book and help your dog with easier and more natural movement.
Wednesdays at 11:00 am CT, September 16, 23, 30, 2026 with Kalin Finsand
Fridays at 11:00 am CT, November 6, 13, 20, 2026 with Amelia Nalli
Tuesdays at 11:00 am CT, December 1,8,15, 2026 with Kalin Finsand
| | Newly Certified Practitioners Canine | | Find a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) Canine near you. Our Certified Practitioners are dedicated professionals who have acquired highly attuned skills in partnering with the dog to release tension and increase range of motion, thereby restoring healthy posture and performance. Add an MMCP Canine to your dog’s wellness team by visiting the Masterson Method Website (top right corner of home page) and look for the link to find a Certified Practitioner - Canine near you. | |
Marja Kuhl
Wittingen, Niedersachsen, Germany
My name is Marja Kuhl. I am MMCP Equine (Member of the MM Continuing Education Programme), MMES, and MMCP Canine.
I live with my two- and four-legged family in Lower Saxony in northern Germany. In April 2024, I was certified as MMCP Equine and also MMES. I earned my MMCP Canine in November, 2025.
Since my first encounter with The Masterson Method®, I have been convinced by this wonderful and effective form of bodywork with animals. Initially, I wanted to learn the method for myself and for personal benefit, but I quickly realized that I could also help other animals and their humans with the Masterson Method®—and, above all, that I wanted to.
Since then, I have been self-employed with my company *Mind Feel Move* as a Masterson Method® Practitioner in the Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt area.
In my main profession, I work in social services and have also completed training in animal-assisted education and therapy. In my family, alongside Husband and children we also have horses, a dog, and a cat.
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Lori Curry Whitcomb
Taylor Ridge, IL
Lori Curry Whitcomb’s lifelong connection with both Western and Alternative Healthcare and animals led to her meeting Jim Masterson and heading into the equine program. When the canine book and classes started there was no question that she had to participate in the formal education and certification process!
As a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner for both Equines and Canines, a Masterson Method Equine Specialist, and an Equine Mentor, Lori brings a depth of experience shaped by years of hands on work, study, and a genuine love for the animals in her care. Not only is she certified in The Masterson Method®, she is also trained and experienced in a wide array of other complementary therapies including Reflexology, Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral, and Scar Release methods. During the years working with horses, dogs became a natural extension to her client list and now there is an added bonus of the education she has taken with the Masterson Method Canine Program.
Lori is committed to helping dogs and their humans experience the benefits of gentle, responsive, and compassionate bodywork. She believes in meeting each dog exactly where they are—honoring their individual comfort level, history, and needs—while supporting them in restoring natural balance and movement by releasing held tension.
Whether she is working with a seasoned show dog, a senior companion, a rescue animal processing old trauma, or a performance partner needing recovery support, Lori’s approach remains grounded in patience, sensitivity, and respect for the animal’s voice and experience.
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Dogs, Dogs, and Dogs!
This year’s Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash raised over $200,000 to help provide life-saving care for animals in need!
At the Masterson Method Beyond Dog Massage booth, Ecco and Dodger joined in the fun with our Canine Instructor, Kalin Finland, sharing information about the Masterson Method and even selling a few Beyond Dog Massage books.
The Masterson Method was invited to present a bodywork demonstration in the main arena, where Kalin welcomed dashers to join and led an interactive session for dogs. It turned into a fun, engaging, classroom-style activity in the shade.
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