Who's Who: Tonita Fernandez, Pampered Paw Swim Spa

Name: Tonita Fernandez

Age: 52

Occupation: Owner of Pampered Paw Swim Spa

What type of training did you need to get to become an aquatic therapist for dogs? I have over 10,000 hours working with dogs in Washington state. It took two years to get certified as a T-Touch specialist as well. Since there was not a formal canine training program in place at that time (which there is now, since I was on the forefront), I extended my training to also work with people. I worked with individuals with multiple sclerosis and osteoarthritis. I logged over 2,100 hours of training in the water prior to ever charging for my hydrotherapy sessions. I wanted to know I was doing it right.

What is T-Touch? T-Touch is not massage, but a gentle approach to assist in healing. It works toward influencing behavioral health and performance of the dogs. I use it in and out of the pool. It is all about body awareness.

How did you get involved with this type of therapy?
I was involved in a car accident and had a therapist who used water therapy with me. I had an old dog at the time who always wanted to join me with my
therapy. I made it work for my dog and eventually, he was able to go on walks with me again. Prior to this, he was in too much pain to be able to take walks. I realized I needed to bring this service to other dogs that were in need of therapy. I built my therapy room for my dogs and their owners. I designed it in a way to allow them to feel like it was their own space–non-industrial, but very Zen.

What are some other things you do in your business to serve dogs? I board dogs at my Bed and Barkfest and treat them as if they are my own children. I cook for them with all natural ingredients, let them all live in my home, let them sleep with me if that is OK with the owners and love them. They get swim time for therapy and/or exercise. I also use infrared light therapy sauna for dogs. The fun things I offer are dog birthday parties and I have yappy hour times for other parties and events to name a few. I am their fairy dog-mother.

What is Infrared Light Therapy? I use infrared for dogs recovering from surgery. It helps healing. Also, for other dogs, it helps with aches and pains as it penetrates the bone. It is most helpful for dogs with arthritis.

You mentioned you cook for the dogs. Are you a good cook? (Laugh) I do not really cook for myself, just the dogs. I have 14 years of education in preparation of dog food. I use almost all raw foods and help owners try to move away from processed food.

When you have a client/dog owner that has a dog in therapy, with you being in Enumclaw, what do the owners do while you are working with their dogs? I like to take care of the owners too. I offer them snacks, beverages and sometimes even “counseling.” It is a good time for the owners to relax and chat. I also offer pick-up and drop-off service as part of the deal.