Skillful Paws

Christina was a saving grace for my foster dog and me. Dobby was a stubborn and sassy firecracker, she liked to talk to people and Christina was no exception:) She also had a habit of walking away when Christina was working on her. Christina was always patient and had an amazing bedside manner. It was very apparent how much she loved Dobby and dogs in general.
She used cold laser therapy, acupressure and massage to help Dobby’s very arthritic joints and muscles. With cold laser, I saw a lot of improvement with Dobby’s knee. It seemed like every time I would get busy and not schedule appointments as regularly, she would stop using the leg.
Christina was always on time and never forgot appointments, she would even call if something opened up and she could get us worked in sooner.
Christina is the best!

Christina is amazing! My dachshund recently hurt his back and she came over to my house on Labor Day weekend to help him. She administered cold laser therapy and acupressure. She’s also been a great resource for questions and has went out of her way to recommend me to a vet who was able to help me fix my dachshunds back injury. She really loves her animals!

Our sweet old yellow dog Bailey lived in a great deal of pain because of arthritis in her joints and spine, and we called Christina at Skillful Paws to come and give her some relief. By the end of the first massage, we could tell that Bailey was feeling better, and when we were able to have Christina come for several sessions in a row, it made a real difference in her ability to get around. Christina’s technique is gentle and calming, and it gave Bailey relief from pain and stiffness. We are so grateful for Christina’s wonderful energy and understanding of our old girl’s needs.
Christina also has developed a proprietary blend of essential oils, Peaceful Paws, and using it before/​during thunderstorms makes a real difference for our anxious dogs. Bailey was always terrified of storms, and this provided some respite, and our young Lab Zoey goes from stressed to calm when we use it. I know it’s available through several local retailers, and it’s worth seeking out!

Skillful Paws & Christina are AWESOME! My dog was sick for a month, and because of bed rest, her back legs were not as strong as they used to be. She was sore, slow, and just not herself. Christina helped us, and even showed me what I could do at home to help her get back on the right foot. Once you meet her, you will totally see why. She has such a great connection with your dog and you! LOVE!

Love Skillful Paws and Peaceful Paws! I attended Christina’s group seminar on giving a relaxing massage to your dog. It was awesome and my dog enjoyed every moment of it. She was so knowledgeable, prepared and animals naturally love her. Both my dogs and I use her calming Peaceful Paws blend.

Christina Hardinger dba Skillful Paws works wonders with her «paws» and even at your own home! After having to cease using prescription meds to ease his arthritis, our older Lab needed serious help in acclimating to his new way of life. At first we were a bit hesitant when someone recommended acupressure because we were concerned how such treatment might hurt him because we didn’t know much about it obviously; however, our fears were immediately eased upon meeting Christina, then seeing her in action: our dog relaxed to her gentle touch using acupressure + massage, which was exactly what he needed for his aching muscles & shaky bones. Her calm, confident manner employing her acupressure & massage techniques produced an incredibly positive effect on our dog’s ability to walk again without pain, so needless to say we highly recommend her services and genuine care for your dog as well. Christina is also certified in aqua therapy and works with horses:

Working with Christina was a wonderful experience. I had terrible anxiety issues with my adopted greyhound and she helped so much. I was a bit skeptical of acupressure for a dog, but I was totally wrong… IT REALLY WORKS!!! My dog was very tense and 2 sessions helped tremendously. Christine really listens to your questions and concerns and clearly knows what is best for dogs. The sessions helped my dog so much. So completely worth it. And her essential oil products are a true miracle. THANKS A MILLION. Cannot recommend enough! A+

We just received a very sweet email from Christine — the owner of Skillful Paws thanking us for stopping by her booth at the Spring Fling to get our doggies a massage. I would have given her a 5 star review anyway — but way to go on customer service Christine!
Christine does Sports, Working Dog, Therapeutic and Puppy Massage as well as Equine and small animal Acupressure. She is also a certified dog trainer which surely helps her understand underlying issues causing muscle problems.
At the Spring Fling she did an awesome job of turning Boogs and Scrubbie into marshmallows (see pic) my Mia on the other hand was a challenge. Mia has horrible separation anxiety when left with a stranger (not when left alone at home that is a different type of anxiety) and having a stranger massage on her was not relaxing or pleasant at all for her — Christine explained that that was why she was shedding and putting out so much dander while being massaged.
I am very interested in working with Christine to help my Mia feel more comfortable when left with strangers and am also excited that she loves working with rescue organizations! I am sure all my Rescue Foster Pups that usually come to me with their own issues could benefit from her massage and behavior understanding!