“The care & thoughtfulness that Sarah Bertsch brings to treating my horses and pony over several years has made them calmer, more physically comfortable and more emotionally present. Our oldest horses seemed especially to benefit from her visits. Her knowledge about this ancient and beneficial mode of treatment is fascinating. She continues to study, practice and grow in understanding of how to help our precious and beloved animals.”
— Karin Winegar + Wheatie, Bailey, Smokey, & Mine Too
“Sarah has a heart of gold, and it comes through in her work with animals. Sarah worked with Frankie, a senior yellow lab mix, during the last year of his life. He had suffered a stroke which caused him to lose mobility, and had arthritis and muscle loss.
After a couple of visits we began referring to her as “Special Sarah”, both because of how comfortable Frankie was with her, and because of the noticeable difference it made in his mobility. With the healing Sarah provided, he was again able to do all his favorite things.
Our other two dogs would always gather round when Sarah arrived and sleep next to her during the entire visit, even our rowdy Golden. They must have sensed the healing energy, too!”
— Amy & Bryan Lake + Frankie, Rasta & Vida
We have two Italian Greyhounds that can be hyper and anxious throughout the day - a true handful. While at 'Chuck & Don’s’, I met Sarah and she told me about Optimal Animals! She came to our home, developed a wonderful bond with both Mario & Luigi. They look forward to their acupressure therapy sessions. Now, our Iggies are able to relax more and better handle their moments of anxiety and settle quickly from triggers that cause hyper-activity during the day. I can’t say enough how thankful we are to have found Optimal Animals. Love the therapy, love Sarah!!
— Cheryl & Bill Solberg + Mario & Luigi
Sarah with Optimal Animals is such a compassionate animal lover who really helped our Vizsla Kona after not one - but two - ACL surgeries in 2 years. Kona needed some extra attention for post-operative discomfort and healing. After the acupressure sessions, Kona was noticeably more relaxed and less anxious - and he slept for hours!
— Lynn Gensecke Jasperson + Kona
Thank you so very much, Sarah, for making the trip to Rochester and for your excellent presentation! I could tell both from expressions on the audience faces, as well as spoken comments, how much the group enjoyed the presentation and learned from it. We can’t thank you enough!
— Kathy from Rochester Pet & Country Store
My cat Pixie was having some issues with pain in her back. I knew Sarah from seeing her [as Wellness Guest] at Chuck and Don’s in Hudson, so we set up a date for her to come to my house for Pixie.. I’d never had acupressure done on an animal before and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What surprised me most about the interaction between Sarah & Pixie was Sarah’s patience. She carefully worked to calm Pixie and was able to feel for sensitivities in her back & tail. Pixie was a bit confused at first, but quickly started to fall asleep in Sarah’s hands! Pixie loved it, and Sarah even taught me some acupressure points to use on my own!
— Jen Fox + Pixie
I sense animals process pain and loss differently than we humans.
Fear and sadness are still present for all of us.
The best thing we can do to ease suffering is bring peace and restful ness.
I have had the honor of witnessing my beloved feline and then equine fall into a restful relaxation during a time when pain was ever present.
Sarah’s thoughtful and healing hands guided them to this place, and for this we will be ever thankful.
— Laurie Schneider + Peetey, Wheatie, Milo & Louie
Our dog Calvin is a puppy mill rescue with severe anxiety. We contacted Sarah after trying several different types of behavior modification techniques and giving him prescription meds. Sarah helped us make significant progress with Calvin. He still has a way to go, but he is now a happy dog who plays with his canine sister and loves to interact with the whole family. He is friendly & social.
Sarah treated the entire family - and especially our dogs - with kindness and respect. It was a pleasure to work with her. She was flexible in scheduling and you could see how much she loves animals and her work.
— Judy Miemietz and Terri Knotz + Calvin
Sarah taught a Senior Series of 4 acupressure workshops for aging dogs at EmBARK in Eau Claire, WI. She tailored each workshop to target a very specific health concern. Her compassion is so evident to both humans & dogs in the class. Sarah got to really know each dog in class & wanted a peek into what their lives were like as a whole. She provided handouts with instructions for acupressure routines and also gave time of herself to ensure that each person had a good handle on what their goals would be when they left!
— Heather Mishefske, Owner/Lead Trainer at EmBARK, Eau Claire, WI
I met Sarah 2 years ago when she was a guest speaker for my North Star Therapy Animals meeting. My golden retriever Getty and I are a registered Pet Partners animal assisted therapy team. I was familiar with some integrative modalities but had not tried acupressure with Getty. Sarah’s presentation interested me as a new option and I felt Sarah’s gentle “way of being” would match with my Getty’s calm demeanor. I’m so glad I decided to give it a try. Getty is very calm and welcomed Sarah easily when she came to our home for our first sessions. It is never long into each visit when Getty gives a big sigh in total relaxation and “lets go” so Sarah can work her magic. Sarah always asks about my concerns or changes for Getty and together we have addressed mobility, digestion and cardiac issues, and also stress release & calming of the mind - these are very important for therapy dogs!
I set up a plan with Sarah to come on a regular basis for Getty, who is not almost 9 years old. We are both excited to see her when she comes and I enjoy our talks during the time we spend together. As a working therapy dog, I know Getty needs this time of relaxation and energy realignment with Sarah as a piece of her life-long care plan.
Getty & I wholeheartedly recommend her care to you!
— Wendy Hitch + Golden Girl Getty
Sarah has seen my dogs for many reasons. She is incredibly thorough in getting to know each dog as an individual both physically and emotionally. She wants to know not only the dog, but also the scope of my relationship with each dog. She provides excellent education to define a care plan of support for her clients. You can feel Sarah’s passion in what she does. She is so very respectful of each dog’s preferences and space and asks for the animal’s consent before doing work with them. She is a gift to the dogs in her care!
— Heather Mishefske, Owner/Lead Trainer at EmBARK, Eau Claire, WI. + Peak & Della
Acupressure, Reiki & other modalities are not substitutes for regular veterinary, medical or mental health care. Sarah does not diagnose, treat, offer medical advice, prescribe drugs, perform adjustments or surgery.