In the tranquil coastal town of Sag Harbor, Long Island, Susan Denis, a 70-year-old retired ICU nurse and former health teacher, has found a unique way to spend her retirement. She has dedicated her time to easing the anxiety of hundreds of shelter animals using an ancient Japanese calming technique called Jin Shin Jyutsu, which she initially mastered on humans.

“I believe in all that stuff for humans. So I thought, why can’t it work on animals, right?” Denis told a local reporter.

Denis first became certified to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu on humans in 1998. After retiring from teaching in 2022, she earned the credentials to work on all creatures, great and small. Her method involves a series of gentle, stress-reducing hand placements that apply less pressure than a massage, aiming to free up blocked energy and promote relaxation.

“Energy runs through our bodies — and sometimes it can become locked away. By doing different holds or touches, we can open up the energy and have it flow freer when we become stressed,”

Susan Denis

Denis has worked on a variety of animals, including goats, chickens, horses, turkeys, pigs, sheep, cows, cats, and dogs. She noted that all animals respond similarly to the technique, much like humans.

One of the most memorable moments for Denis occurred at Tamerlaine Sanctuary in New Jersey, where she still volunteers. She recalled, “I was working on this one goat, and all of a sudden, I looked up and saw several of them, all lined up as if they were saying, ‘Pick me! Pick me!’”

Denis’ work has had a profound impact on the animals at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, where she volunteers twice a week. Last year, she began volunteering after hearing about a particularly heartfelt case involving a dog named Candy, who had been rescued from Ukraine and was extremely anxious.

“Susan came in and started working with her, and you could see a change in the same day,” said Dr. Teri Meekins, the shelter’s medical director. “Candy has since found a forever home.”

Denis’ method requires more than just going through the motions. She emphasizes the importance of self-calming before working with the animals. “The important thing is that you calm yourself before you work with them because animals are so intuitive. They can pick up on how we are feeling — it is really quite an amazing experience,” she said.

In total, Denis has worked on nearly 150 animals at the shelter, almost all of whom showed clear signs of lower stress and anxiety afterward. “I can say that pretty much all of them have been adopted,” Denis said, commending the shelter’s staff. “That’s the end goal of this after all.”

Denis’ work with Jin Shin Jyutsu has garnered attention from animal welfare advocates and researchers alike. The technique, which originated in the 19th century, has been studied for its potential benefits in reducing stress and anxiety in both humans and animals. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Jin Shin Jyutsu can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, in both humans and animals.

While the technique has shown promising results, some critics argue that more scientific research is needed to validate its effectiveness. However, Denis’ personal experiences and the positive outcomes she has witnessed in the shelter animals speak volumes about the potential of Jin Shin Jyutsu as a complementary therapy for animal welfare.

Denis’ story serves as an inspiration for retirees looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Her dedication to helping shelter animals find peace and comfort is a testament to the power of compassion and the healing arts. As she continues her work, Denis hopes to inspire others to explore the benefits of Jin Shin Jyutsu and other alternative therapies for both humans and animals.

For those interested in learning more about Jin Shin Jyutsu, there are numerous resources available, including workshops, online courses, and certification programs. The Jin Shin Jyutsu Inc. website offers a wealth of information and resources for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.