A Pet Before Dying

Karen Cornell was just being a supportive friend when she accompanied her pal Crista to Chicago, Illinois’ Anti-Cruelty Society to have her sick 15-year old collie Max put down. But what she saw there changed her, and now she provides massage to animals at the end of life.

While she was waiting for Crista, who was visiting with one of the animal technicians, Cornell meandered about and studied the old, sick animals with the seemingly sad faces. Cornell, a massage therapist, found herself stroking the belly of a blind Yorkshire Terrier that could hardly move. Cornell said she felt she had a calming influence on the dog, which would be put to sleep a few minutes later. She said she cried hearing its moans of comfort beneath her hands.

A pet owner herself, Cornell couldn’t imagine the day when she would be in the same position as her friend. Being there made her feel helpless and vulnerable. Cornell had an idea and rushed to find the director’s office. 

“I wanted to use my love for animals and massage training to make a difference in a place like this,” said Cornell, a graduate of Chicago’s Soma Institute. “If I were a dog or cat, I would want to feel some love and nurturing at the end of my life.” 

So Cornell, who practices "people" massage at a health club, started scheduling appointments at the Anti-Cruelty Society and other pet hospitals and clinics to give massages to terminal animals. She said some are sick, but some are slated to die simply because their owners don't want them anymore. 

“I get five to 10 minutes to work with each animal," she said. "I give them a good, little, loving massage, front, back, legs and all the while looking in their eyes and letting them know they are important,” Cornell said “I don’t see it as going out of my way or anything.” 

Cornell said she is considering opening her own massage studio to cater to animals. She said although she gets satisfaction from working on people, the fact animals can’t speak up for themselves makes them more attractive. 

“The main reason I got into massage was to bring some healing and good karma to others and I get that working on people,” Cornell said. “But working on animals, especially in this type of environment, goes to another level mentally and emotionally for me. There are many people doing cruel things to animals out there, and their life is only as good as we humans make it. I know that I can make a positive difference.” 

—Kevin Harmon