Candace R. Wingo, L.M.T, C.A.T

Candace R. Wingo, L.M.T., C.A.T.

About Me

Designer by day, friend and caregiver to animals by night. That's me! Well, that used to be me. Once was on any normal weekday you would find me hard at work at my day job. I worked as a project designer doing commercial interiors and project management for a major energy company in downtown Houston. I did my job well and my company loved me. But times and the economy changed and in mid January of 2003, I was laid off from my Corporate America job.

Being laid off is a shock but as bad as it sounds, it was a blessing in disguise. My real passion is holistic health care for animals and creating healing, holistic environments. And now that's what I do. I am living my passion daily! My friends are constantly asking me for advice and sometimes affectionately call me "Candace Wingo, Medicine Woman."

I first became interested in holistic health care (also called natural or alternative medicine) in the spring of 1994 when I had to check into the hospital for emergency surgery. I developed a pain in my lower right abdomen that ran down my entire leg. I thought I had appendicitis. It turns out I had a ruptured ovarian cyst. The surgery went well but afterwards my doctor told me she would recheck me in six months. If it looked like the cyst was returning, she would recommend a hysterectomy. Well, that didn't sound like any fun at all. I figured that God had given me each and every one of my parts for a reason and I was determined to keep them all.

At that point, I began an intense study of alternative health care methods. I coupled alternative health care with exercise (especially in-line skating) and to make a long story short, my six-month checkup was a breeze. The doctor was surprised but said, "Whatever you're doing - keep doing it!" This was a definite revelation and showed me, beyond a doubt, that alternative methods do work.

OK, it worked for me, so would it work for my pets and other animals? Hmmm, good question. This began another cycle of research and study that led me to a school north of Houston that taught holistic health care methods specifically for animals! I enrolled immediately and made a weekly weekend pilgrimage across town for classes. Finally, over a year and 500 hours of training later, I "graduated" and became a Certified Animal Therapist (C.A.T.).

Still wanting to learn more, I enrolled in massage therapy school in January 2001. This required attending class 3 nights a week for over 5 months and then an additional 40 hours of internship, performing full body massages at the school. (I did all this in addition to working my regular day job.) By early October I was finished with school and had my temporary L.M.T. license but still had to wait, for what seemed like an eternity, to take my state board exam. I passed the exam, with flying colors, in February of 2002 and am now a Licensed Massage Therapist (L.M.T.) in the state of Texas!

So back to the question, would it work for animals? Yes it would and yes it does! While nothing works 100% of the time, my experience shows that animals respond very well to holistic health care. I have seen good results time and time again. There is a time for everything and western medicine definitely has its place; but so does alternative holistic health care!

My husband and I have 5 cats and we also have a business raising Alpacas. (Check out the Alpacas at www.mountaindreamalpacas.com) I practice and keep learning with our own animals. Over the past few years I have worked on lots of different critters including Horses, Alpacas, Ponies, Goats, Cats, Dogs, and even Iguanas. (Case Histories and Customer Testimonials coming soon)

Sometimes a problem can be remedied with a simple change of diet – nutrition is the number one key to good health for animals and their human friends. Other cases may call for additional techniques, herbs or supplements. Many practitioners carry and promote only one or two brands of products. I am always looking for and trying new products and techniques. I carry multiple product lines and test the products myself. I absolutely use what is best for the animal!

I am not a doctor or veterinarian and I can not and do not diagnose; but given a valid diagnosis from your doctor or veterinarian, I can suggest a holistic approach that will complement the recommended treatment. Additionally, I can recommend a preventative health care plan to keep you and your pet in optimal health.

I also create balanced holistic environments inside the home and outside in the landscape. With a degree in Environmental Design and 20+ years experience, I've completed many interior and landscape projects. I blend my holistic, alternative knowledge with my design background and Feng Shui¹ training to create healing, holistic environments. It's not unusual to find me doing a massage or Reiki on someone's horse and then helping them Feng Shui their barn, house or property.

Balancing the total environment allows animals and their human friends to be the best they can be. We are all so connected to each aspect of our environment, it's in our best interest to pull it all together to create a happy, healthy, balanced, holistic space that's healing to the mind, body and spirit. Please read about the services I offer and let me know how I can assist you.

¹Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of interior design and object placement, creating a harmonious environment to improve your health, wealth, relationships, opportunities and prosperity.

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Candace R. Wingo, L.M.T., C.A.T.
email: candace@holistic-critters.com