Getting to know Karen of Safe Hands Clinical Canine Massage

27/11/2020 - Supporting Small Businesses

There are some fantastic businesses in and around Aylesbury and we want to showcase these businesses and show our support so we asked a number of local business owners a series of questions (including dog-related ones)!
We’re delighted to introduce the second business owner in our series...Karen Young of Safe Hands Clinical Canine Massage!

What products/services do you provide?

Clinical Massage for any dog but particularly those in pain or intermittently lame or those entering mid life and onwards.
Canine Conditioning training - think Pilates for dogs - to improve movement, strengthen the back and abdominals and reduce the risk of injury

How long have you been in business?

5 years in January

What was the reason you started your business?

I wanted to make a difference and I had seen how my adhoc massage had helped my recently adopted dog. I thought, if I actually knew what I was doing I could make a real difference to dogs and their human owners. So I spent two years retraining as a specialist Canine massage therapist and have never looked back. I love it.

Do you have a pet? If so, what do you have and what is their name/s?

I have two adopted lurchers both were about 5 then I adopted them. Eva was from the National Animal Welfare Trust in Hertfordshire. She was timid and stayed at the back of her kennel. She had been in rescue for nearly a year when I adopted her six years ago. She was the inspiration for my business. I have recently adopted another young lurcher from Appledown, now called Benji. He is my lockdown baby and we are still learning about each other.

What is your favourite dog breed?

I don't really have one. I love the oldies and I have a real soft spot for Greyhounds as I worked at a Greyhound rescue as part of my massage training . They are fabulous dogs.

Who is your favourite famous dog, or favourite film featuring a dog that you love to watch?

I used to love the littlest hobo as a kid.

What is your favourite quote?

just keep swimming

What's your favourite way to spend a Sunday?

Watching naff films and going for dog walks that end up at pubs for lunch. I can't wait to do that again.

What three words would your significant other/parent/child use to describe you?

Sensitive, generous, dedicated...

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a vet. Then I watched a routine surgery on TV and had to sit outside for about an hour as I felt so sick.

Do you have a useful poo bag hack?

I fold my poo bags and carry them in a dedicated small purse. By folding them I only ever get one out at a time so I never drop them. Litter really annoys me and unused poo bags dropped and left by owners really wind me up.

Safe Hands Clinical Canine Massage has a permanent clinic based in Hemel Hempstead but also works out of McGrumpy & Snuffles in Aylesbury. You can learn more at www.safehands.dog and follow Karen on Facebook.
Thanks for supporting local!