Give your animal the gift of health. Using easy-to-use techniques, learn how to improve your pet’s health and wellbeing through the simple touch of your hands. The techniques will be taught at a Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) Level 1 workshop Oct. 29-31 in the Midway District and in Ramona. This is the first level of a four-level program leading to certification. During the workshop, easily- applied HTA techniques provide hands-on experience as participants work with dogs and horses. Other species such as cats, birds, aquatics and exotics will be discussed. Students learn how to assist animals in areas such as injury, illness, trauma, behavioral and stress-related issues, bonding and general wellness. Carol Komitor founded the Healing Touch for Animals® program in 1996 when she combined her experience as a certified healing touch practitioner/instructor, certified massage therapist and certified hospital-based massage therapist with her 13 years experience as a veterinary technician. “The techniques taught in Healing Touch for Animals® are meant as a cooperative application of animal healthcare working in conjunction with our veterinarians,” Komitor said. “The varied techniques taught in HTA can support the animal’s physiology, helping to improve the immune system and promote the healing process.” Laura Surovi, DVM, of Brightwood Animal Hospital in Ohio, agrees. “As a veterinarian, I am always faced with new challenges in the treatment of my clients,” said Surovi. “When I first learned about HTA, I was excited at the prospect of combining traditional medicine with complementary therapy. Pet owners interested in attending the workshop should call (619) 922-4025, or visit www.healing touchforanimals.com.