Yes, Rocky was a real dog, and Rocky's Retreat grew out of the inspiration and desire to keep him as healthy as possible for as long as possible. In early 2006, Sherri Cappabianca finally acted on what had become a passion by studying canine massage with Northwest School of Animal Massage. After completing her certification, she began her business, Rocky's Retreat, named in honor of the special soul who started her on this path. Since then, her practice has evolved to include Reiki, Acupressure studied through Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, and Aromatherapeutic Healing through Essential Animals, UK.

Sherri believes that these modalities not only supplement veterinary care, but also complement each other, and provide a gentle and non-invasive range of options to help heal our pet's physical, emotional and behavioral issues. She also believes in a balanced approach to health that includes high quality nutrition, exercise, companionship and regular maintenance bodywork.

"The focus of my work is to get animals back to a point of equilibrium so that they can heal naturally."

Sherri offers her services to dogs throughout the Central Florida area. Sessions are held in the convenience of your home or facility of your choosing, which provides a familiar and stress free environment for healing. She also offers educational and nutritional counseling and workshops that teach basic massage and acupressure techniques, all designed to help you help your animal have a healthier and happier life.

Her qualifications include over 1000 hours of certified training in the following areas:

• Small Animal Massage - Northwest School of Animal Massage. Animal behavior, massage techniques, canine anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and hands on training.
• Small Animal Acupressure - Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute. Comprehensive curriculum includes Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupressure concepts, canine anatomy and physiology, hands on clinical training, plus numerous case studies.
• Animal Aromatherapeutic Healing - Essential Animals / GEOTA, UK. Extensive program consists of Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts pertaining to essential oils, chemistry, canine anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, hands on training, plus many case studies.
• Reiki - Level II, in the traditional lineage of Usui, Hayashi, Takata, Gray, Rosenthal.
• Pet First Aid/CPR with the American Red Cross.
• Member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork. (IAAMB)