Wag More With Wagging Tail Dog Walkers

by Guest Blogger, Jaimal  “Jackson” Warfield of Wagging Tail Dog Walkers.

“In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag.”

W. H. Auden

 

It’s been over five years now that I co-founded Wagging Tail Dog Walkers, but when someone asks me what I do for a living, I still crack a smile when I say to them, “I walk dogs.”

 

I quickly became used to responses of disbelief or people thinking I was just joking around, because although the dog walking and pet sitting industry has been around for decades, it has been and largely remains an industry that is known to few. There is no formal training, no certification, no dog walking university, and probably the biggest reason, it is an industry that favors independent entrepreneurs over big companies.You don’t see dog walkers advertising on billboards, you don’t hear about them on the radio. When looking around for a dog walker or pet sitter, most people aren’t going to search on the internet or the yellow pages, they are going to ask around to people they trust, because trust is the most important factor in this industry.

 

While the actual walking part is simple, (though not always easy…ever been dragged down the street by a 100 pound Rottweiler who just wants to say hi to everyone and everything? Or tried to carefully pick up something stinky from the ground with two leashes in one hand, gloves under your arm and an umbrella supported by your neck and shoulder?) there is much more to being a successful dog walker.

 

You have to be trustworthy, reliable, flexible and available to meet the needs of your customers, which can and do change frequently. About 50% of my business is from customers who have set schedules and can therefore give me set schedules for walks, and the other 50% is made up of customers whose needs, workload and shifts change weekly.

 

Occasionally I get last minute calls, which I always try to accommodate, when someone gets stuck in traffic or wants to meet friends after work and not have to rush home or feel guilty for making their dog have to wait an extra hour or two to go out.

 

And every now and then there are “lock outs,” when somehow the dog walker is the only one around with a house key, haha. There are also house sitting visits, to bring in mail and packages, or swinging by to make sure the gas stove wasn’t left on. The benefits of having a dog walker go on and on!

 

I started Wagging Tail Dog Walkers with a friend in 2007 by stapling up 20 fliers around town. Soon after, I had the opportunity to do some traveling, which I have always loved, but I returned to Portsmouth in 2009 and have been running the business ever since.

 

Now, four years and thousands of walks later, I look back and realize how entwined I have become with many people, entirely through their dogs. Some older dogs have passed on and new puppies have taken their places, customers have married (even two separate ones to each other!), bought houses and introduced new baby members to their packs. I still think about dogs who I used to walk whose owners moved away and sometimes want to email them and ask how so and so is doing, and to give him a scratch behind the ears for me.

 

Along with looking back, I am also looking forward. Reactions these days, when I tell people I am a dog walker, are not as entertaining (often, “oh, nice! I want your job!” or “I’ve heard of that!”), and that’s because the industry is growing and becoming more widely recognized. Because of that recognition and demand, for the first time since starting out, I have hired help and have been enjoying introducing another walker to “my” dogs, whose tails just keep on wagging.

 

Along with walking, we are now doing more regular trips to Peirce Island and occasionally the beach in the off – season. I’ve always believed in the saying, “a tired dog is a good dog,” and I look forward to growing Wagging Tail and helping people with their dog walking needs.

 

About Wagging Tail Dog Walkers:

Wagging Tail Dog Walkers provides individual dog walking services to the Portsmouth area and group trips to the park.

 Please find us on Facebook under Wagging Tail Dog Walkers or email us at waggingtaildogwalkers@yahoo.com
About Healing Hands Community Chiropractic
Our mission at Healing Hands Community Chiropractic -Portsmouth, NH is to promote and support the overall health, well-being and highest quality of life of all individuals and families in our community through affordable chiropractic care.
Healing Hands Community Chiropracticis a health -care model intended to increase access to chiropractic care by offering adjustments in an open setting and fees on an affordable sliding-scale, without income verification.  By doing so, we offer the people of our community the opportunity to receive treatment as often as they need, to get the results they deserve with no insurance hassles -simply paying what they can for only $20- $40!Click here to book now!

 

5 Green Tips from Healing Hands Community Chiropractic

January 14, 2013 2:00 AM
From: www.SeacoastOnline.com

Five green health tips to stave off winter colds:

1. Use a neti pot. Neti pots help clean out your sinuses and keep your breathing pathways clear and fresh by removing dirt, pollen, excess mucous and other irritants. Pick one up at the local health food store.

2. Add more fiber to your diet. Adding fiber such as whole grains to your diet improves colon health and increases immunity.

3. Drink more water. Drinking eight glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, bladder cancer by 50 percent, and it can potentially even reduce the risk of breast cancer.

4. Take probiotics. Eating more yogurt or supplementing your diet with a high-quality, refrigerated probiotic can boost the healthy bacteria in your gut, where about 70 percent of your immune system resides.

5. Sleep. Studies show that people who get about seven hours of sleep a night have the best survival. Sleep loss not only plays a role in whether we come down with a cold or flu, it also influences how we fight illnesses.

For information about Healing Hands, visit www.healinghandscc.org. For more green tips, visitwww.greenalliance.biz or at the Green Alliance blog at www.seacoastonline.com.

 

for online article: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130114-NEWS-301140345

Chiropractic Wellness Clinic Opens in Portsmouth

Oct 1, 2012 From The Granite State Sentinel.

PORTSMOUTH–Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is bringing wellness to the masses, and its business model will revolutionize the industry.

On September 5, Healing Hands Community Chiropractic opened its first-of-its-kind wellness center, which provided services on a sliding-scale fee system with no income verification.  This model, based on similar ones within other holistic health industries, has not occured in the chirpractic field, until now.

“Our goal at Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is to provide wellness services to people throughout the community, and do not want income to be a barrier to this,” says Dr. Jessica Caruso, co-owner of Healing Hands with her husband, Brian Caruso.  “We have seen this model work in acupuncture and now we want to bring it to chiropractic care.  This is truly a first-of-its-kind clinic, and I am thrilled that we are doing it in Portsmouth.  Since we want to immerse ourselves with the community, we became proud members of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, official chiropractor for the NH Roller Derby as well as members of the Green Alliance.”

The Granite State Sentinel does not fully publish all of their articles online, so for the full story pick up a copy at your local store!

 

Environment Plays Huge Role in Health: Seacoast Online Blogs

By JIM CAVAN | Published: NOVEMBER 6, 2012 | 1 Comment

http://blogs.seacoastonline.com/seacoast-green-alliance/2012/11/06/environment-plays-huge-role-in-health/

By Heikki Perry

A National Public Radio story indicates that people respond more favorably to issues framed in a health context rather than an environmental one, connecting our health to the environment. And there is much to be concerned about, according to three local experts.

The fall NPR story, titled “When Heat Kills: Global Warming As Public Health Threat,” cites emerging science that ”shows that people respond more favorably to warnings about climate change when it’s portrayed as a health issue rather than as an environmental problem.” Health officials carry special credibility, the story says, “far more so than politicians, journalists, environmental activists and other widely heard voices on this topic.”

What do two local health-care providers, and a small-business owner whose company helps protect the environment, say about how local environments affect Seacoast residents’ health?

Healing Hands Community Chiropractic

Dr. Jessica Caruso of Healing Hands Community Chiropractic, 40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, notes that a bad indoor environment significantly contributes to people’s health problems. Caruso conducts a workshop called “Hidden Health Hazards in the Home.”

“Today’s smaller, energy-efficient homes trap indoor air pollutants and hazardous chemicals resulting in the air inside your home being worse than outdoor pollution,” she says. “Studies by the federal Environmental Protection Agency have shown that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels.”

According to the Neighborhood Network’s 2002 Environmental Resource Directory, one of the greatest factors contributing to indoor pollution is hazardous cleaning products. The following chemical contents found in most household cleaning agents — ammonia, bleach, petroleum distillates, and paradichloro-benzene — have been shown to cause and/or trigger bronchitis, asthma, cancer, eye irritation, skin issues and heart conditions, to name just a few.

The solution, Dr. Caruso says, is to make your own cleaners with natural products such as baking soda, olive oil, essential oils and vinegar. More information on natural cleaning products can be found at . Or, if you use a cleaning company, choose one that produces results using natural and safe cleaning agents. Green Maids of Eliot Maine is one such company; cleaning green is not an option with Green Maids, it’s how all of its houses are kept bright and shiny.

“Off-gassing” is another potential hazard. The term, first used in 1966 to describe the release of gaseous chemicals from a solid, is defined in the Construction Dictionary “as the release of airborne particulates, often from installed construction materials such as carpeting, cabinetry, or paint that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems in building occupants.”The problem is, Dr. Caruso says, “this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Off-gassing also emanates from mattresses; stains and varnishes; insulation; flooring materials such as vinyl, finishes, adhesives; countertops; particle board; paint strippers; and cleaning supplies, according to the Healing Hands Community Chiropractic Web site,http://healinghandscc.org/health/toxic-home-newsletter/. Infants or toddlers and pets may more quickly be affected by prolonged proximity to off-gassing carpeting or flooring.

While avoiding off-gassing sources seems to be the most logical lifestyle choice, it is often not an option. Dr. Caruso recommends her patients undergo a “spinal adjustment,” a highly specialized procedure a chiropractor uses to free the body from a serious form of health-destroying nerve stress called “subluxation.” Chemical toxins are one the primary causes of spinal subluxation.

“The adjustment unlocks misaligned vertebrae and nearby tissues from their ‘stuck’ positions,” Dr. Caruso says, “freeing them to move where the body wants them to go and removing nerve interference. Your family chiropractor knows that a healthier lifestyle will help you avoid the chemical triggers that may cause spinal subluxation.”

Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is a business partner of the Green Alliance, a union of local sustainable businesses promoting environmentally sound business practices, and a green co-op offering discounted green products and services to its members. GA members receive a new patient consult and exam at Healing Hands for just $10 and a free stainless steel water bottle.

Environment Plays Huge Role on Health: Portsmouth Patch

Nov 1, 2012

From the Portsmouth Patch

By Heikki Perry

Dr. Jess adjusts child

A National Public Radio story indicates that people respond more favorably to issues framed in a health context rather than an environmental one, connecting
our health to the environment. And there is much to be concerned about, according to three local experts.

The fall NPR story, titled “When Heat Kills: Global Warming As Public Health Threat,” cites emerging science that ”shows that people respond more favorably to warnings about climate change when it’s portrayed as a health issue rather than as an environmental problem.” Health officials carry special credibility, the story says, “far more so than politicians, journalists, environmental activists and other widely heard voices on this topic.”

What do two local health-care providers, and a small-business owner whose company helps protect the environment, say about how local environments affect Seacoast residents’ health?

Healing Hands Community Chiropractic

Dr. Jessica Caruso of Healing Hands Community Chiropractic, 40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, notes that a bad indoor environment significantly contributes to people’s health problems. Caruso conducts a workshop called “Hidden Health Hazards in the Home.”

“Today’s smaller, energy-efficient homes trap indoor air pollutants and hazardous chemicals resulting in the air inside your home being worse than outdoor pollution,” she says. “Studies by the federal Environmental Protection Agency have shown that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels.”

To read the full article, click here!

For online  newspaper article: http://portsmouth-nh.patch.com/blog_posts/environment-plays-huge-role-on-health

Healing Hands Community Chiropractic offering ‘Wellness for all”

Monday, September 10, 2012

From Foster’s Daily Democrat

Picture
Courtesy photo Jessica and Brian CarusoClick here for Foster’s reprint information

PORTSMOUTH — Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is bringing wellness to the masses, and it hopes its business model will revolutionize the industry.

On Sept. 5, Healing Hands Community Chiropractic opened its wellness center, which will provide services on a sliding-scale fee system with no income verification.

This model is based on similar ones within other holistic health industries.

“Our goal at Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is to provide wellness services to people throughout the community, and do not want income to be a barrier to this,” said Jessica Caruso, co-owner of Healing Hands with her husband, Brian Caruso. “We have seen this model work in acupuncture and now we want to bring it to chiropractic care. This is truly a firstof- its-kind clinic, and I am thrilled that we are doing it in Portsmouth.”

She said they wanted to immerse themselves with the community, and became proud members of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, official chiropractor for the NH Roller Derby as well as members of the Green Alliance.

Brian co-owns and manages the Portsmouth clinic as well as their flagship office, Healing Hands Chiropractic Family Wellness Center in Londonderry. He said that the tagline for the new practice, “Wellness for All!” is more than just a slogan.

“We want to provide the people of the Seacoast a true wellness option, and believe that these services should not be a privilege for certain segments of the population,” Brian said.

Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is at the Custom House office (40 Pleasant St., Suite 206; Portsmouth), with a grand opening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept.26. The clinic can be reached at 603.512.3191, and convenient, one-step registration can be done atwww.healinghandscc.org.

For link to online newspaper article: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120910/GJBUSINESS_01/709109989/-1/FOSBUSINESS

New Chiropractic Office Offers Sliding-Scale Fees

Sep 14, 2012

From The Portsmouth Herald

By Suzanne Laurent

Dr. Jess adjusts baby

PORTSMOUTH — Imagine being able to pop into your chiropractor’s office during your lunch hour, have a quick adjustment, and pay what you can afford.

That is possible at Healing Hands Community Chiropractic, which opened Sept. 5 at 40 Pleasant St., providing services on a sliding-scale fee system with no income verification.

“We want people to be able to afford chiropractic care for the whole family,” said Jessica Caruso, who owns Healing Hands with her husband and practice manager, Brian Caruso.

For the full story in The Portsmouth Herald, click Here

Online newspaper article: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120914-BIZ-209140379

V-Day 2013: Raising Awareness To End Violence

by Guest Blogger, Joi Smith of Back Alley Productions

 Eighteen thousand dollars: that’s how much money was raised last year for local organizations Sexual Assault Support Services (S.A.S.S.) and A Safe Place by Back Alley Productions’ presentation of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues. But for organizers Joi Smith and Danica Carlson, those numbers only fueled their desire to make an even bigger impact. This year, the company will be expanding its V-Day benefit production to two cities: Portsmouth and – for the first time – Rochester, NH.

Founded fifteen years ago as a global effort demanding an end to violence against women and girls, V-Day (www.VDay.org) raises money by way of hundreds of thousands of volunteers in 140 different countries producing benefit productions of playwright/founder Eve Ensler’s works. The cash funds educational programs that help women overcome the effects of violence, enabling them to support themselves and their families. It’s a crucial contribution in a world where one in three women will experience violence in their lifetimes.

Motivated by that staggering statistic, Smith and Carlson’s Back Alley Productions has taken part in the V-Day program for four years, helping to support both the global V-Day effort and local organizations dedicated to preventing violence against children and adults. It’s a truly community effort, with over 30 people involved in the production. All of them are volunteers, and many return to lend a hand year after year. In addition, local businesses and artists donate a wide array of treats, gift certificates, works and other products to help raise money for the cause.

As they expand their efforts to two cities this year, they’re taking a divide-and-conquer approach. Proceeds from the V-Day Portsmouth event, which takes place at Seacoast Repertory Theater on February 1, 2, and 3, will go to support S.A.S.S.’s efforts to end sexual violence by providing educational programs in Rockingham and Strafford county school systems. Meanwhile, the company’s V-Day Rochester program, taking place on Februay 22 and 23 at The Rochester Opera House, will raise cash for A Safe Place (www.ASafePlaceNH.org), helping them further their mission of providing free shelter and support services for those affected by domestic abuse.

The expansion into a new city isn’t the only change for Back Alley Production’s V-Day efforts this year. The company is also offering a compelling innovation on the traditional V-Day program by including a monologue from a male perspective. The piece, Rescue, was written by Mark Matousek for V-Day’s 10th anniversary. At first he wasn’t sure if he had anything to offer the movement. Then he realized the violence the women in his life experienced affected his life as well. The piece will be performed by CJ Lewis, who provided administrative support last year and after watching the show, wanted to get more involved.

“I think it’s great that they are getting a male voice. As I am sitting there watching the show it is clear that I am outnumbered as a male viewer. I believe that the experience is as important and powerful for men as it is for women,” explains Lewis. “The piece is a call to arms, to men especially. It is important that we raise new awareness. It’s not just a woman’s issue – it’s a human issue. I’m looking forward to being a conduit for other men to experience the piece.”

The move is part of Smith and Carlson’s desire to remind audiences that The Vagina Monologues isn’t just a “women’s show”. Hailed by The New York Times, Daily News, and Variety as funny, poignant, intelligent and courageous, the show was written and conceived for a both men and women to engage with.  

V-Day Portsmouth has only three performances on Friday February 1st at 8:00 PM, Saturday February 2nd at 8:00 PM, and Sunday February 3rd at 2pm, at Seacoast Repertory Theater on Bow Street in Portsmouth, NH. The audience is encouraged to bring cash so that they can participate in the sale of artisan wares and the raffle of gift certificates and other items. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for students & seniors. To purchase tickets online visit www.seacoastrep.org, or contact the Box Office via phone- 603-433-4472, or email- boxoffice@seacoastrep.org.

V-Day Rochester has only two performances on Friday February 22nd at 8pm and Saturday February 23rd at 8pm, at The Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street in Rochester, NH. Tickets are $20 general admission.To purchase tickets online visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com, or contact the Box Office via phone- (603) 335-1992.

The doors will open one hour before show-time at both venues for live music and cocktails. This production contains adult language and themes and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

100% of the proceeds for both productions will go to Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), A Safe Place, and V-Day.

About Back Alley Productions:

Back Alley Productions has been creating thought provoking, quality theater for the seacoast since 2008. It’s founders, Joi Smith and Danica Carlson, share a passion for highlighting the amazing talents in their community, as well as raising awareness to social issues through the theater medium. Their next production, after both V-Day performances, will be an original, locally written show called Love, exploring the many perspectives of such an important topic. Love will be up at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth April 19th – May 5th.

About Healing Hands Community Chiropractic

Our mission at Healing Hands Community Chiropractic -Portsmouth, NH is to promote and support the overall health, well-being and highest quality of life of all individuals and families in our community through affordable chiropractic care.

Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is a health -care model intended to increase access to chiropractic care by offering adjustments in an open setting and fees on an affordable sliding-scale, without income verification.  By doing so, we offer the people of our community the opportunity to receive treatment as often as they need, to get the results they deserve with no insurance hassles -simply paying what they can for only $20- $40!

Click here to book now!