Bruce The Masseuse
Bruce was beloved by many of our clients, customers and neighbors over her 19 years. Sadly we lost her on November 8, 2016. Here is her obituary.
When Bruce showed up malnourished on our doorstep more than 14 years ago, we had no idea that she would turn out to be a favorite fixture at our business, Natural Healings.
Though Bruce is female, she earned her name after Judie blurted the name out one day and watched as the cat responded. We think of her as maybe French (Brucie) or Italian (Brucina), but call her Bruce for short.
Even more surprising, Joseph discovered he had a little friendly competition in the workplace since Bruce arrived: the feline gives massages, and she’s a huge hit among our clients. For a little attention and a few scratches behind the ears, Bruce doles out her therapy free of charge.
Not everyone is an instant fan, especially those who downright oppose to Bruce being in the room. However, thanks to Bruce’s delicate touch many can overcome their discomfort with cats. Bruce never uses her claws, purrs lightly, and instinctively knows exactly where the client has the problem. Bruce, the masseuse, works approximately 15 minutes.
Bruce’s first patient was an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease. The reaction to Bruce was subtle at first, a twinkle in the woman’s eyes followed with a smile. During that first visit with Bruce, she told Joseph that the cat comforted her and asked if Bruce could stay in the room with them. Joseph was a little reluctant at first as Bruce was never really allowed in the massage room, as a professional standard, but how could Joseph say no to this woman. As Joseph listened intently to the woman, Bruce jumped on the table and began what was to be her first massage. Still, today, Bruce is requested by many of Joseph’s clients who bring her treats, catnip and toys.
Between napping and free massages, Bruce has adopted another part-time career – that of East Bay celebrity. On February 17, 2003, the TV show “Evening Magazine” featured Bruce. We were really surprised when the producers called us up and said they wanted to do a profile of Bruce. We have never gone looking for publicity. However, Bruce didn’t seem to mind the star treatment as she wooed over the host and cameramen as they set up.
As you come into our front room, you will see a picture of Bruce before she became ill. She loved sitting in whatever basket she could find. She is surely missed.
When Bruce showed up malnourished on our doorstep more than 14 years ago, we had no idea that she would turn out to be a favorite fixture at our business, Natural Healings.
Though Bruce is female, she earned her name after Judie blurted the name out one day and watched as the cat responded. We think of her as maybe French (Brucie) or Italian (Brucina), but call her Bruce for short.
Even more surprising, Joseph discovered he had a little friendly competition in the workplace since Bruce arrived: the feline gives massages, and she’s a huge hit among our clients. For a little attention and a few scratches behind the ears, Bruce doles out her therapy free of charge.
Not everyone is an instant fan, especially those who downright oppose to Bruce being in the room. However, thanks to Bruce’s delicate touch many can overcome their discomfort with cats. Bruce never uses her claws, purrs lightly, and instinctively knows exactly where the client has the problem. Bruce, the masseuse, works approximately 15 minutes.
Bruce’s first patient was an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease. The reaction to Bruce was subtle at first, a twinkle in the woman’s eyes followed with a smile. During that first visit with Bruce, she told Joseph that the cat comforted her and asked if Bruce could stay in the room with them. Joseph was a little reluctant at first as Bruce was never really allowed in the massage room, as a professional standard, but how could Joseph say no to this woman. As Joseph listened intently to the woman, Bruce jumped on the table and began what was to be her first massage. Still, today, Bruce is requested by many of Joseph’s clients who bring her treats, catnip and toys.
Between napping and free massages, Bruce has adopted another part-time career – that of East Bay celebrity. On February 17, 2003, the TV show “Evening Magazine” featured Bruce. We were really surprised when the producers called us up and said they wanted to do a profile of Bruce. We have never gone looking for publicity. However, Bruce didn’t seem to mind the star treatment as she wooed over the host and cameramen as they set up.
As you come into our front room, you will see a picture of Bruce before she became ill. She loved sitting in whatever basket she could find. She is surely missed.