Heidi — Massage, August 4, 2021

Beginning at 11:23 I work on some of Heidi's acupressure points for kidney support. I rarely do acupressure in these videos.
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In May, 2019 I adopted two senior cats from the Humane Society of New York City, Heidi and Dinah.

Heidi turned 14 years old on August 7, 2020. She and Dinah shared the same living space in the shelter. Heidi was at the Humane Society for 10 years. She had been adopted, but was returned after her guardian became ill and unable to care for her. When I first met her she appeared arthritic and generally uncomfortable in her body. She has made excellent progress during her time with me.

Dinah lived at the Humane Society since she was a kitten. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at about 10 months old. She always had a problem with her knees which was corrected by surgery in 2017.

Sadly, Dinah passed away on October 17, 2020. She developed a number of health issues beginning in early July. She was doing very well for a couple months, but then declined steadily over the next six weeks. Her 15th birthday was on May 10, 2020. Dinah had a very young spirit and energy to match. She played like a 2 year old. She was with me for 15 months and had a very happy and comfortable life here, even up to the end. She had the sweetest disposition, and loved to be touched. Her acceptance of my bodywork was total and immediate. Our special bond was established very early in our relationship.

When I started this channel on April 12, 2018 it was called Dillard the Cat. I adopted Dillard along with his brother Louis in 2004 while I was still in animal massage school. Louis died in January 2016; Dillard in March of 2019; both from chronic kidney disease.

A month after Dillard died, I visited animal shelters in New York City looking for an older, difficult-to-adopt, cat with arthritis or any physical issue that could benefit from my bodywork. I was eventually led to the Humane Society, and Heidi and Dinah. My plan was to provide the best possible quality of life in their senior years with support from massage, acupressure and Reiki. Dinah benefitted greatly from that work and Heidi continues to receive the benefits.

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I am Lon. I am a Small Animal Massage Therapist, Acupressurist, and Reiki Master. I have been working with veterinarians for the past 16 years. I graduated from the Small Animal Programs of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Massachusetts and the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute in Colorado.