About Us
ResQ Animal Massage practitioners are mobile, insured, Certified Small Animal Therapists (CSAMT) who have earned their credentials through the Northwest School of Animal Massage. We work cooperatively with veterinarians in our community to best support your pet’s whole body wellness.
Quimby (Owner/Founder)
For as long as she can remember, animals have captured Quimby’s heart and have been an important part of her life, especially seniors and those with unique physical or behavioral needs. Nothing makes her happier than seeing and feeling a dog relax and experience the restorative effects of therapeutic massage. Her clients are dear to her and the animal/human connection established during massage is her favorite part of the job.
She was inspired to become an animal massage therapist after taking an introductory massage class many years ago. Having employed some of the techniques she learned in class on her own dogs, she saw the powerful effects of massage and wanted to learn more. She began volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society and was inspired to pursue a path in animal wellness. In 2012 she enrolled in the Northwest School of Animal Massage and earned certifications in foundation/maintenance massage and rehabilitation massage. She then started ResQ Animal Massage (celebrating 10 years in 2023) and has been going strong ever since.
Quimby loves and serve ALL dogs but has a special place in her heart for rescued animals. Over the last decade she’s worked with Oregon Humane Society, Multnomah County Animal Services and Family Dogs New Life Shelter, having donated massage services to hundreds of shelter and foster dogs awaiting adoption. Through a decade of private practice and volunteerism, she’s gained a wealth of experience with a variety of different breeds, ages, temperaments and medical conditions.
On the home front, Quimby and her husband are the adoring guardians of a very affectionate, very large and very engaging Supermutt named Tug, who pulls at their heartstrings and keeps them laughing in equal measure daily.
LELA
Lela is a huge dog lover with a big heart for all dogs, especially seniors and Dachshunds. Having spent many years in an office-based tech career, she reached a burnout point and decided to shift gears to a more rewarding path. She wanted to pursue a career where she could work with her hands and make a direct, positive change in the world. Encouraged by her husband to find a way to work with one of her greatest sources of joy, dogs, she found the Northwest School of Animal Massage and knew immediately this was the path she had to take.
She earned her certification in foundation/maintenance massage from the Northwest School of Animal Massage in 2021. Her education included studies in canine behavior and body language, skeletal and muscle anatomy, kinesiology and Swedish massage techniques. Since graduating, she’s continued to sharpen her technique and depth of knowledge through hands-on experience with clients. It’s been a pleasure to put what she’s learned into practice and serve dogs (and their humans) in her community.
She cherishes her clients and believes there is no warmer feeling than the appreciation of a dog who has found relief from pain. Every massage is an opportunity to learn something new and forge stronger connections with both the dog clients and their loving humans.
Lela lives in SE Portland with her husband and their short-haired mini-Dachshund, Fionna. They hope to grow their pack by rescuing more dogs in the coming year or two.
For more information, including video clips and pictures, please visit ResQ Animal Massage’s Facebook page and Instagram account.
