Integrated Body Work

Shari’s body work focuses on gentle, intuitive care that supports comfort, balance, trust and healing.

Assessment

The first in person Consultation with Shari will be approximately and hour in duration.

She will have you fill out onboarding paperwork that will cover topics such as: exercise regimen, diet, changes in the household, behaviour as well as other details and of your observations of your animal over time.

During this visit Shari will:

Watch your animal in their natural habitat.

What are they telling us through their own body language? (breathing, eyes, reaction to light & dark, noise)

Check heart rate, gut sounds, ears, gums, feet, tail, proprioception
Perform a gait analysis (watch your animal walk & trot if possible), she will look for differences in stride, watch for indications of lameness and fluidity of movement
For cats and dogs she will also have them sit, lay down and possibly walk on different surfaces
Check their range of motion of each leg , tail and neck
Feel for heat, fascial restrictions, muscle tightness, tenderness, spasms, compensatory tension, swelling and puffiness
Offer suggestions that may include: additions to diet, supplementation suggestions, strengthening exercises, massage or body awareness homework for you to do in between sessions.

When Shari “Puts her hands on” for a Body Work Session

She integrates several modalities as she works, depending on what your animal needs.

These modalities may include:

Massage, Origin/Insertion Tendon Work
Trigger Point, Active & Passive Stress Point & Myofascial Release, and Scar Tissue Release
Acupressure
Reiki & Energy Blockage Release
Neurological Enhancement and Proprioception Techniques
Stretches & Passive Range of Motion
Magnetic Therapy & Grounding
Photobiomodulation using Infra Red and Near Infra Red Light Therapy
Strength Training and Body Awareness Exercises

During each session, Shari will be showing you how you can perform techniques she feels will benefit your animal. You will have “homework” to do in between sessions to ensure positive, long-lasting results.

Working with Horses

Horses are incredibly sensitive beings. As prey animals, they are instinctively programmed to protect themselves — so when a horse allows you into their space, it is profound.

" When I work with horses…once they realise I am there to help them feel better, they soften, melt into my hands, and clearly show me where they need support. I have seen horses that I’ve worked on previously come running from the far pasture once they know I am back to visit them again."

Shari has been an Equine Massage Therapist since 1994 . She’s an equestrian and horse lover since 1967. Her work focuses on relieving myofascial restrictions, muscle tension, and pain, supporting comfort, better mobility, and overall well-being.

By addressing physical restrictions, horses become happier, more willing partners. Owners often notice improved movement, reduced tension, fewer negative behaviors, and a deeper bond with them built on trust and understanding.

Working with Dogs

Shari is a Canine Massage Therapist and Therapeutic Bodyworker (1995), a Canine Proprioception Coach (2007) and a Canine Conditioning Coach (2019).

Compensatory tension caused by pain, injury, or surgery affects posture, movement, and overall quality of life. By reducing tension, improving range of motion, and easing discomfort, Shari helps dogs feel better over all — enhancing mobility, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Hydrotherapy can be nothing short of miraculous when it comes to restoring mobility and supporting recovery. Shari has been a Canine Hydrotherapist since 2006, helping dogs regain strength, confidence, range of motion and relearn how to move their legs after spinal injury such as FCE allowing them to begin work on land so they can walk again.

A lifelong dog lover and proud dog Mom since childhood, Shari brings both professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to every session.

Working with Cats

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, making gentle and intuitive care especially important. Shari approaches feline body work with patience, calm presence, and deep respect for each cat’s boundaries.

Through light-touch techniques, Shari helps reduce tension, support mobility, and encourage relaxation. These sessions can be especially beneficial for aging cats, cats recovering from injury, or those experiencing stress-related tension.

Having shared her life with as many as 20 cats over the years, she has a deep understanding of feline behavior and sensitivity. Shari has a special way about her that creates a safe, quiet space where cats can relax, trust, respond, and receive care in their own time — supporting comfort, ease of movement, and overall well-being.

Working with Other Animals

Over the years, Donkeys, Sheep, Goats and Cows have enjoyed the benefit of Shari’s experience and magical hands.

Her empathy, intuition and knowledge helped and continues to help many different species of mammals. They too can have injuries, neurological, mobility and age related issues and can benefit greatly from the many modalities Shari utilizes during her sessions.

Integrated Animal Bodywork Disclaimer

• Shari’s services are not a substitute for veterinary care
• The techniques provided are designed to support your animal's overall well-being and are not intended as a replacement for professional veterinary medical care.
• It is recommended that you work with your licensed holistic veterinarian for any medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries your animal may have.
• Scope of Practice: As an animal bodyworker, Shari does not diagnose medical conditions, perform surgery, or prescribe medications.
• Educational Purpose: Any information shared during sessions is for educational and informational purposes only.
Client Assumption of Risk & Liability
• Animal Behavior: You acknowledge that animals are unpredictable, especially when touched, and may react by kicking, biting, scratching or bolting.
• Release of Liability: By engaging in these services, you assume full responsibility for any inherent risks and release the practitioner from all claims or damages resulting from the session.
Client Responsibilities
• Accurate History: You agree to provide a complete and honest medical history of your animal, including current medications, allergies, injuries, surgeries and behavioral triggers.
• Immediate Updates: It is your responsibility to notify Shari of any changes in your animal’s health or behavior before any future sessions.
Professional Boundaries
• Referral Requirement: Depending on local regulations, a veterinary referral may be required before bodywork services can be performed.
• Right to Refuse: Shari reserves the right to refuse or stop service if an animal appears medically unstable or if the environment is unsafe.

Shari L. Seymour

(CMT, EMT, FMT, CCC, CHT)
Shari is an animal portrait artist, holisitc animal life coach, animal bodyworker, author and educator dedicated to honoring companion animals through art, care and connection. Shari’s Quest is her lifelong journey of creativity, healing, and educating animal lovers in ways to help animals who share their lives.

CONTACT SHARI

sharisquestinfo@gmail.com

Phone Number

(905) 373-5800