My husband Lars had never had a dog of his own. When he decided that he was ready, we went to the Humane Society to pick out his first dog. Lars picked Banjo, a wild, completely uncontrollable boy who had been at the Humane Society on and off since the age of 5 weeks. He was now a 1 1/2 year old and had been returned 4 times in that year and a half. His time was running out. Banjo …
Sophie came into our life ten years ago this past August. Our journey really began two years before that, in August 2005. On the day that Hurricane Katrina made its’ horrific landfall in Louisiana, our vet and her assistant arrived at our home to euthanize our beautiful Mexican rescue dog, Victoria. Little did we know that two years later we would meet and fall in love with another amazing dog who would ultimately be diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.
Living with Degenerative Mylopethy Guido was always an active dog. One of his self-appointed “jobs” was to herd our first Corgi, Vera, as she chased the tennis ball in our back yard. It was a job he took seriously and performed vigorously, often to Vera’s annoyance. American/Canadian Ch. Caralon Brookehaven Hearthrob (Ch Brookehaven Pfeif and Drum X Ch Caralon’s Lana Lee), but to us a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named “Guido”, came to us after a successful show and agility career, …
Trooper’s Storyby Carol Swindaman I work at Redwood Animal Hospital in Redmond WA. Anyone who works at an animal hospital knows that there is always an opportunity to adopt a new pet due to a variety of circumstances. In the fall of 2000, Trooper came to us by way of Pasado’s Safe Haven, an animal rescue group based in Sultan, Washington. He was taken from a high kill shelter where he was certain to die. He was very thin and …
My beautiful boy dog, Zion, had Degenerative Myelopathy of the German Shepherd Dog (DM is a progressive disease that gradually paralyzes the dog). Zion’s physical deterioration was heartbreaking, but taking him to La Paw Spa was like taking a trip back in time to Warm Springs in the days of Polio. Zion loved the warm water, it helped him to feel better and he had the freedom to swim even after his rear legs were numb and unresponsive on land. He simply glowed …
Toby, my Bernese Mountain dog, was in constant pain and limping extensively from the time that he was about 4 months old. After spending $1200. at Pullman’s vet school, we left with no definite diagnosis, just possible tendons that were too tight. We have never known exactly what it is, but after seeing Cindy, he has turned into a happy bouncy boy. No more Rimadyl or pain killers anymore. Now he can jump in and out of cars, and she keeps him …
Teddy is a little better. His legs are still very weak, but today he was able to walk in the park for the first time. I’ll say one thing–he really loves his water workouts! He looks so happy and relaxed when he returns from La Paw Spa, and he’s also very happy after going in the tub. He follows me around afterwards wherever I go and gives me these deep soulful looks. Thanks again for teaching me about the benefits …
Thank you so much for seeing Shane. You’ve helped him a lot, but also you’ve helped me. When Shane was first diagnosed it was very difficult for me to accept. I didn’t want him to be limited in any way, and in many ways ~I~ didn’t want to have to limit him either. Just going, talking to you and such has helped me see that it’s really not a big deal. His needs have changed but he’s still a happy, …
There is no way we can thank you enough for all you have done for Enya! She wouldn’t be half-way back if it wasn’t for your swimming therapy and massages! It is no small part you played in her getting muscled back up to where she is today! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
My dog Dick, a Shepherd Mix, is 10 years old. His back end is, of course, getting weaker with age. Although he’s a good swimmer, it’s difficult to find the perfect place and situation to make that happen.When I started with Cindy my intent was prevention. To keep him moving and try and stave off the inevitable weakening as long as possible. What I didn’t realize is that along with the desired result of helping Dick would come a wonderful …