Our Story
Our Mission
Over the last twenty years, the journey of forming a deep connection with my dogs has transformed my life forever. This is my LIGHT, my PASSION, my PEACE, which I offer with great honor to those seeking a deeper connection with their dog. My dogs became my greatest teachers and showed me how to live IN THE MOMENT, to embrace the light that connects us to the universe, to each other. Their DOGGIE WHITE LIGHT is what they share with me, and what I hope to share with you.
Joseph Rivera was born and raised in New York City.
Although I had two devoted parents who did their best to provide for me and six siblings, I was surrounded by chaos and endured physical and verbal abuse that made me feel disconnected from life; but there was my dog Suzie…my LIGHT, my connection to inner PEACE, my ANGEL. We had an incredible connection, and she made me feel special but she was suddenly taken away from me. I came home from school one day and Suzie was gone, never to be seen again. I didn’t get to say goodbye or thank her. This forced separation led to severe anxiety, depression, and constant thoughts of suicide. I was living my life in darkness.
Years later, a friend of mine, who knew my story, offered me a dog as a gift. He saw her on NY1 NEWS Pet of the Week. She had been rescued by the ASPCA of New York and he adopted her. She was badly emaciated, half her nose was bitten off, and she had multiple bite wounds covering her body. She had also been tied to a post for so long, the rope was completely embedded around her neck and required surgery to be removed. She was only 5 months old when she was rescued. The first time I saw her, it felt familiar. There was an immediate connection. We knew each other’s pain. What I saw was an ANGEL with a wounded wing. In that moment, I knew the universe bought us together to embrace a shared journey of inner healing. I decided to name her Suzie, in honor of my childhood pet.
I made a vow to Suzie that I would always protect her. When she was about 6 years old, she developed a bad limp. I took her to several vets and specialists, but her condition could not be diagnosed, and I was left to find an alternative. After doing some research, I discovered Massage Therapy as an effective way to help Suzie. Her limp subsided and her quality of life improved immediately. Unexpectedly, in keeping my promise to protect Suzie, I discovered my true gift, my passion, my ability to heal with my hands. I became a Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CMT) in 2006. Over the years, my family grew to include six amazing dogs, each with distinct personalities, all living together peacefully. When Suzie was ready to move on, she left with DIGNITY and taught me to let go in PEACE.
It was then I realized it was Suzie who RESCUED me.
Special thanks to The ASPCA of New York, Stark T. Wilz, Neil & Nancy Bresleau, and Comedian/Actor/Writer Steve Martin, who contributed to my journey.
