Transforming Animal Anxiety: How a Retired Long Island Nurse Uses Ancient Techniques to Soothe Pets – ‘It’s Just Like Helping People’

Everyone is impressed by Susan Denis.

This Long Island retiree has spent her time helping anxious animals find calm through a gentle Japanese technique she learned years ago for people. “I thought, why can’t this work for animals?” says the 70-year-old resident of Sag Harbor.

Denis, a former ICU nurse and high school health teacher, has embraced Jin Shin Jyutsu, a method that involves careful hand placements to help ease stress. This technique, which dates back to the 19th century, applies gentle touches that are less intense than a typical massage.

“Energy flows through our bodies. Sometimes it gets stuck. By using certain holds or touches, we can help that energy flow freely, especially when we’re stressed,” she explains.

Denis has worked with a wide array of animals—goats, cats, dogs, pigs, and more. “They all respond similarly, just like people do,” she notes.

In 1998, she became certified to use Jin Shin Jyutsu on people. By 2022, she had earned her credentials to work with all kinds of animals. She often finds herself amazed by the results. Once, while helping a goat at Tamerlaine Sanctuary in New Jersey, several goats lined up, seemingly asking for her attention.

“Animals are more in tune with us than we realize,” she says.

Making a Difference

Last year, drawn by a touching story, Denis began volunteering at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation twice a week. There, she helps rescue animals manage their anxiety.

Dr. Teri Meekins, the shelter’s medical director, shared a memorable case. “We had a dog named Candy who came to us from Ukraine. She was very withdrawn. The change after Susan worked with her was incredible—she found a forever home soon after,” Meekins said.

On a recent Friday, Denis worked with a large pitbull named “Big Betty,” who had been struggling with anxiety since arriving at the shelter. “It really helps calm their nerves, especially in a shelter environment,” Denis mentioned as she soothed the previously restless dog.

“You can tell it’s working when they relax—sometimes they even pass gas, which Betty did!” she joked.

Denis emphasizes that she must first calm herself before working with the animals. “Animals are very intuitive. They sense how we feel, which makes this a special experience,” she adds.

So far, Denis has used Jin Shin Jyutsu on nearly 150 animals at the shelter. Almost all of them showed clear signs of reduced stress and anxiety. “Most of them have been adopted,” Denis said proudly. “That’s the ultimate goal.”