A Handy Tool in Your Toolbox

JSJ Safety Energy Locks to the rescue

Author

Adele Leas
February 13, 2026

I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, so I know my way around winter. Bob, our most recent doggie addition to the family, appears to be mostly Rhodesian Ridgeback — and I’m quite certain that neither he nor his ancestors were designed for the cold.

Last week, when the Florida Panhandle joined much of the country in an ice-coated deep freeze, I bundled up the dogs and myself and headed out for our walk. We were only moments in when Bob hit a completely iced-over sidewalk. Neither of us quite registered what had happened until all four of his legs began splaying out in different directions at once. He couldn’t find his footing and went down hard — right onto his recently operated-on hip and knee.

I hugged him as quickly as I could and helped him get back up gingerly. Once I got him onto the frozen grass, he was able to find his footing. We changed direction and headed straight home.

My mind was racing…
What had he done?
Had the plates in his leg shifted?
How bad would the pain and swelling get?

Thankfully, this beautiful Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu doesn’t require all those answers before you can begin helping. I settled Bob onto a comfy bed, tucked him under a blanket, and took a few moments to center my own breath. Then I placed one hand behind his right ear and the other on his right 13, just above the breastbone. This hold calms, centers, and helps clear the energy of both right legs.

I watched carefully as Bob shifted his body, listening to what he seemed to be asking for, and followed with different Safety Energy Locks. Understanding who the SELs are and what their jobs are allows you to help your animals in ways they are open to — in almost any situation.

For a day or two, Bob stayed curled up in his bed and whimpered, stopping whenever he received his Jin Shin Jyutsu. By day three, we were able to return to short JSJ sessions several times a day, along with physical therapy exercises, stretching, and gentle leash walking. A little over a week later, he’s now using that right hind leg about 85% of the time.

We celebrate every step.

This is what I mean when I say that Jin Shin Jyutsu is truly an Art of living with animals.

I invite you to join us for the upcoming online class so you, too, can have this knowledge at your fingertips — whenever you need it. The entire 7-week class costs less than one major veterinary visit.

Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animal Companion

Begins February 21, 2026

The course includes:
• In-depth videos that walk you through my entire book, Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animal Companions, working with multiple species
• Self-help videos
• Videos covering all the Safety Energy Locks and Depths
• Five LIVE interactive Zoom calls with me for practice and Q&A
• Printable digital study guides
• Homework to deepen your understanding
• Access to all material for 3 months after class ends
• Course counts toward certification as a JSJ for Your Animal Companion Practitioner

With warmth,
Adele

Adele, Giannina Mia, Scirroco, Teja and yes, BOB, Leas

… and search for Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animals on Instagram and TikTok.