About Us

Cathy is The Puddle’s owner and swim coach. After a demanding career in advertising, Cathy followed her heart and opened a business offering healing water rehab and exercise for dogs. Her goal was to build a safe and trusting environment where owners can witness firsthand the many benefits of canine swimming as well as gain valuable information about their pet’s nutrition.

Cathy grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Illinois State University. Prior to opening The Puddle, she ran an advertising agency for 25 years. “I loved designing very much, but in the later years the stress was enormous and it just wasn’t fun anymore. Then, life threw me a curve-ball and I went through a challenging time. I decided to take a chance and do what I’ve always loved the most – working with dogs! That’s when my dream of The Puddle became a reality and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve loved every minute of it!”

Cathy is a graduate of the La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program Level One & Two. She is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid, and by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). She is a member of the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT).

Cindy joined our team in May 2016 and serves as swim coach. She graduated with a degree in finance, but decided to leave her career and make her dreams come true by working with animals. She has a natural gift for putting dogs at ease when handling and working with them in the water. Her passion for animals also extends beyond the Puddle. Cindy is furthering her education with animal health science classes and she is involved with the Anderson Animal Shelter Foster Program. She enjoys caring for shelter dogs until they find their forever home. She is also the proud parent of 3 dogs of her own.

Cindy is a graduate of La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program Level One & Two and is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid.

Heide is our massage therapist. She owns and operates Mindful Canine Massage and is available at The Puddle on a monthly basis.

Heide has always had an interest in animals, especially dogs. This interest led her down various paths, grooming, dog training, dog shows, teaching, as well as learning about nutrition and behavior. 

Her interest in canine massage started in 2011 as her Rottweiler, Knitro began to age. “In his last year with us, I would just lay my hands on him to bring him comfort and healing energy. I would gently massage him following my heart and listening to my dog. He would let me know if anything I was doing bothered him.  My experience with him has become the driving force on this journey to learn and understand K9 Massage.”

2015, Chicago School of Canine Massage completing the 300 hour Advanced Canine Massage Mentorship Program. Nationally certified in April 2016, National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage. Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR through PetTech.

If you would like to schedule a massage appointment with Heide, please call 815-370-1528 or email her at mindfulcaninemassage@gmail.com

For more information, you may also visit www.mindfulcaninemassage.com

Beth serves as our nutritional advisor. She has been involved in health and training for animals and people all her adult life. In 1994, Beth began teaching dog training and producing education seminars on dog training and nutrition. Researching fresh food diets for dogs led to her work with Steve’s Real Food for Pets as regional manager and veterinary consultant. She taught veterinarians and retailers the importance of fresh food diets. This work led to the writing and publication of See Spot Live Longer with Steve Brown.

Beth has worked in the practice of Carl DeStefano, DC, assisting him in his chiropractic work, and assisting the practice of Dena Jersild, DVM. Beth has produced seminars with Karen Becker, DVM on health topics, and co-wrote the very popular Dr. Becker’s Real Food for Dogs and Cats.

Beth is a graduate of La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program Level One & Two and is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid. She is also a member of the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT) and the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB).