I started massaging Muffin years ago when I read about a vet that took home a partially paralyzed german shepard that a patient couldn't keep. She also used water therapy on him and one day he wasn't paralyzed anymore. They say it's a wonderful way to bond with your doggie and it is also a great way to soothe arthritis in old age. Muffin loved it and I've been massaging Kacee since I've had her and she loves it as well.