Press & Testimonials
The Relaxed Rabbit
Massage for Your Pet Bunny
by Chandra Moira Beal, RMT and Maia60 pages
Paperback
ISBN 0-595-31062-1
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE RELAXED RABBIT
TESTIMONIALS
"A wonderful book that, finally, deals only with bunnies! As an animal massage therapist myself, I was thrilled to see someone else promoting massage
for rabbits. Since my foray into the incredible world of touch, I met and fell in love with my Diego. You can not imagine the benefits to his little paralysed/compromised system from almost daily massage of some sort. He literally shines!"
---Jodi M., Redondo Beach, California
"I would like to highly recommend a book written by a fellow rabbit lover and professional massage therapist who has devoted a tremendous amount of time specializing in animal massage and alternative techniques. She has been of great help to my rabbits, cats, and dogs!"
---F. S. Gove, House Rabbit Society Educator, Austin, Texas
"I'm sure most of us pet our bunnies regularly and this is a great book... It's full of pictures and easy to follow steps... My buns love it!!!"
---Amber, Etherbun
"I currently have two disabled rabbits, Bijou and Dolce, who has arthritis and spondylosis and is still pretty mobile. I've managed to keep Bijou relatively stable with massage and acupuncture. Although she can no longer stand or even really scoot around, she still is very interactive, social, and loves food and getting pet. She gives me kisses when I scratch her forehead."
---Amy Spintman, Cats & Rabbits & More, San Diego, California
"I got a rescue rabbit recently. She always seemed nervous and stressed out, but after using this book she seems to trust me a bit more. Thank you so much your book. It is fantastic!!!!"
---Dean B., Nottingham, England
"There is no way that I can thank Chandra enough for putting pen to paper and writing this book. My bunny, Smudge, and I have always had a good relationship - very affectionate and close, but Chandra's insight into rabbit anatomy and massage has furthered our relationship so that I can actually improve his health too! Smudge is a 5 year old dwarf lop and has for as long as I have known him sneezed. No matter what the vets prescribed or advised nothing would stop him having sneezing 'fits' on almost a daily basis. If ever he has a 'fit' now I can massage his sinuses and he will recover far quicker and I also do this daily as a preventative measure which certainly seems to assist! Since purchasing her book I have bought copies for all my rabbit 'owning' friends and my vet and they've gone down amazingly well, particularly with the said bunnies! Through finding out more about Smudge's anatomy I became more and more aware of his body and his physical health and feel I was more attuned to his mental/emotional well being. This book is a godsend to any bunny parent!"
---Anna M., England
PRESS
Brighton Insight City News, Saturday, February 11, 2006 by Sarah Charsley
Bunnyrub: Get to know your rabbit through massage
A Brighton alternative therapist has started a new class teaching rabbit owners how to massage their pets from "nose to toes". Chandra Beal says that massaging a pet can improve the animal's physical health as well as helping its owner relax.
"Massage can help animals for the same reasons it helps humans," says Chandra, author of The Relaxed Rabbit. "It increases range of motion, reduces tension, inflammation and pain, improves circulation and accelerates recovery. It's a safe, low-cost, natural supplement to a pet's care."
Chandra first became interested in rabbit massage when her house rabbit Maia developed a head tilt due to an ear infection. Her personal experience in massaging her rabbit and helping her regain her balance inspired her to study animal anatomy and bodywork.
As well as benefiting the animal's health, studies show that animal massage can have benefits for humans: "Stroking your rabbit can lower your blood pressure, increase self-esteem, and establish a feeling of well-being," says Chandra. "Massage is a great way for owners to deepen their relationship with their pets, as touching strengthens the animal-human bond. Animal massage is a win-win prospect!"
Chandra is the leader of the Rabbit Welfare Association's Sussex Hopper Group, a fellowship group for people who love rabbits. "Rabbits are underrated animals," says Chandra. "I want to encourage people to bring their rabbits out of the hutch at the bottom of the garden and into their home."
Chard and Ilminster News, Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Stressed Bunnies Get the Massage
If munching carrots and looking cute is leaving your rabbit all stressed out, then why not treat it to a massage?
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard, is hosting a rabbit massage workshop, led by professional massage therapist Chandra Moira Beal, later this month.
"Massage is great for rabbits as it helps with behavioural issues, strengthens human-animal bonds, and can reduce tension, inflammation and pain. It also accelerates recovery from illness or injury and strengthens immunity," said Chandra.
"Studies have also shown that stroking a pet can lower your blood pressure, increase your self-esteem, and establish a feeling of well-being."
Chandra, 36, is from America and also massages humans.
She told the News: "I started practicing on my pet rabbit Maia and really noticed changes in her--she became more well adjusted to life. I've tried it with dogs and cats, but rabbits seem more receptive. I've had good feedback from workshops with people saying they were not able to pick up their rabbits, but now they can cuddle them.
Chandra, who has written a book on rabbit massage, said rabbits can get stressed by things like changes in their environment, the presence of predators, and trips to the vet.
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