Testimonials

Yoshii's Story...

Yoshii was my very first client. When I met Yo, he was on a multiple pain killers, Morphine being one of them. His shoulders and hips were in such bad shape, he was unable to get himself out of the house to potty-his owners were carrying him outside by had or with sheets. He was confined to his bed in the kitchen, staring off into space between naps. Jane, his dog-mom, said to me, "I can't watch this anymore, I know he's only 7 but he's in so much pain and the pain killers make him a zombie. This is NOT quality of life. I think we're going to put him down."
I told Jane, "Give me one month. If you still feel that he is in poor enough shape or suffering, then do what you feel like you have to do."
That conversation happened in February. By the beginning of April, Yoshii was SPRINTING through and around their neighborhood park after squirrels, ducks even his dog-sister! Check out Yoshii's debut-"Back from the dead" as Jane likes to say =)

Rest in Peace, Yoshii. Crossed the rainbow bridge from cancer 2015

Yoshii's Back!

Sharon P. and Champion Bearded Collie, Ry
Sacramento, CA

Ry has been receiving body work for years. I think any Beardie doing performance sports should be looked at on a regular basis. Beardies' backs are very long and some sports really stress their spine. In order to see the free, flowing movement, their bodies must be in alignment and have supple tissue. If not, they will compensate for the misalignment and tightness somehow.
After a lengthy plane ride to our recent Beardie Nationals. I knew that Ry would need some work on his shoulder and leg. Kristen worked on Ry several times during our national specialty and she was fantastic! She has those hands that can feel and work on problem areas that one might never know was bothering your dog.
Kristen took the time necessary to work on Ry, then took more time to make sure he was moving correctly and that her work "stuck." Her touch is gentle, yet appropriate in the areas that need work. Ry won Best in Veteran and Sweepstakes afterwards! If you can possibly schedule an appointment with her, it will be well worth your time, and your dog will be happy you did.
Sincerely,
Sharon

Sandy M. * Moonstone Beardies *
Gainsville , VA

The Bearded Collie Club of America benefited from Kristen of Functional Fours during their recent National Specialty. Sometimes folks forget the stress that travel and crate confinement can put on dogs and Kristen helped a lot of Beardies with her amazing hands-on body work.
There was no bodywork personnel scheduled to be on hand for our Agility Day, . I reached out and by pure good luck came up with Kristen’s contact info. She was more than happy to work long distance arranging massage times. But the very best thing, was that when folks at the national realized what an amazing impact she had on those of us getting work done, everyone wanted to schedule time with her! Kristen came out three days to help keep Beardies in top form; Not all athletes, not all Specials, but ALL Beardies at the National benefited from time with Kristen.
If any Specialty breed club is planning a National Specialty in her area, they couldn't find someone better to work with in terms of actual corrective body work for their animals, empathy and care about the client and willingness to work with large groups!
Sincerely,
Sandy McDonald
Gainesville, VA
Moonstone Beardies
www.moonstonebeardies.com

Sandy B. owner of Mo
Collinsville, IL

About a year ago, my 9 year old black lab, Morena, started to slow down: didn't jump on the sofa anymore, didn't chase rabbits and squirrels. Her back legs got "spindly," and she walked on the sides of her back paws. Occasionally, she would even collapse!
I went to 3 different vets, and got 3 different, horrific, opinions. After rounds of drugs that seemed to have no lasting effect on the problem, I called Kristen Baker who had been recommended by Mo's groomer. She came to the house, and after a couple of sessions, recommended we incorporate an animal chiropractor, Dr. Derek Niehaus. They worked together on my Mo, and now I have a 10 year old lab that is more frisky that she has been in years! We are still "a work in progress" but she continues to regain muscle in her back legs and is back at chasing everything and even jumps again!
Kristen and Dr. Derek have such a genuine interest for my Mo. Thank you both for reviving my friend!