Certified Canine Massage Therapist

Meet Dara Pogoff

Founder of HushPuppy Canine Massage. Certified, insured, educated, and trustworthy.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dara considers Chicago her home. She received a BA in Dance and Choreography from Columbia College, Chicago. Intrigued by what she learned about the body and movement during her undergrad, she became a Licensed Massage Therapist. Dara believes that touch with intent is the most crucial aspect of healing. 

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In 2019 she was introduced to a canine massage mentorship program through Canis Bodyworks (formerly Chicago School of Canine Massage) and became certified as a Canine Massage Therapist (NCCMT) through NBCAAM. She is also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and has training in Animal Acupressure. Dara also has had training in Bach Flower Essences (oral and topical individualized formulas).

 

In pursuit of using movement as therapy, Dara received additional training at The Pilates Center, Boulder, Colorado, and is certified through The National Pilates Certification Program (NCPT) in 2013. She continued her training in 2020 with a Barre certification through FabFitFocused. Most recently, she received her Yoga certification through Deep Academy and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the Yoga Alliance. 

One of the greatest rewards from her mentorship was finding her own best friend, Leo. He is a lucky 13 pounds of love and fun, and enjoys his daily massages.