Testimonials: Arthritis and Aging Pets

Dickens

"Dickens was giving up on life due to mobility issues before we were referred to CARE. He could barely walk due to old age, arthritis + spine issues. With the love + CARE of all of the employees + therapists here he is now able to follow us around the house go on short walks, is back to stealing chips off of the coffee table and friends have stopped saying “your dog is on his lasts legs”. It has been refreshing to see a staff of people who enjoy their work so much and to see all the animal clients enjoy their therapy so much."

L.L.

Arlo

"Dr. Waldman and everyone at C.A.R.E has performed nothing less than a miracle with our thirteen and a half year old Lab, Arlo. When I brought him in, he had just had laryngeal surgery, then pneumonia. He was terribly weak, would barely lift his head, and would not eat. He had such bad arthritis and muscle atrophy that he could not stand nor walk, on his back legs at all, and he had to be walked with a harness to keep his back legs from dragging on the ground.

Through the loving care and expertise of Dr. Waldman and Amy (I don't know her last name!) who is such a talented physical therapist, Arlo became evidence that miracles can happen. He is now able to stand and walk, wander the garden and sniff the grass, bark at birds, and really enjoy his life, something I was so worried that he would never be able to do again. When we came to C.A.R.E I
told Dr. Waldman that I wanted Arlo to be able to run on the beach, even if it were just one more time in his life. She said, "Well, let's try". I know she was protecting me from my hopes, but what I saw from there on out was great knowledge, and experience, and most wonderfully, a determination to do everything she could. She kept her promise, and put him on a regimen of acupuncture,
anti-inflamatories, physical exercises and massage. The funny thing is that Arlo, terrified of the groomer, and shaking when we go to the regular vet, gets himself up and to the door excited to go to his therapy.

The end of our story is that we have been to the beach three times now, and to watch him trot in and out of the tides and sniff seaweed and play, even though still a still a little wobbly, and not as speedy as he used to be, he looks to be just about the happiest dog ever. And I am the happiest dog owner. I do not have enough words to thank Dr. Waldman and Amy and the wonderful and amazing staff at C.A.R.E. Their commitment and caring have supported us and carried us a long way. I cannot possibly think what we would have done without them, and I will be grateful always for the life they gave back to Arlo."

D.R.

Quinn

"Mid 2007 I first noticed Quinn my nine year female German Shepherd dragging a back leg at the end of a good walk. The symptom persisted and became more apparent until September 2007, a neurologist confirmed my worst fears: Quinn had Degenerative Myelopathy, an incurable autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, similar to MS in humans. In addition to DM, x-rays also revealed arthritis in her lower back and knees. The future looked bleak for my constant companion. I learned that generally there is progression to paralysis in 3-6 months, when DM is untreated.

Fortunately my neurologist suggested physical therapy and referred me to CARE. At the end of this month, August 2008, Quinn will have made the 12 month mark! She is still moderately mobile, happy, well adjusted dog.

Quinn has had weekly acupuncture, hydrotherapy and general physiotherapy sessions. I am convinced that without treatment, I would have lost her within 6 months. The therapy has maintained her mobility and most important, her quality of life. Dr Waldman and Dr Kramer’s treatment has extended her life and also provided me with guidance and support in dealing with a devastating disease. The entire CARE team of professionals is amazing! Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

H.W.

Akela

"CA.R.E. has given ME a boost. I have a 14 year old German shepherd and her remarkable improvement and her enjoyment of her “lessons” eases my heart. Her back left leg had been giving way and twisting around her right rear leg. Now, she has more muscle and self corrects her stance. The facility and the staff have a healing energy and I have great confidence in their treatments, respect, and affection for their clients."

A.R.

Brian

"I want to thank you for the start of a successful treatment program with my 10 ½ year old golden retriever “Brian”.

Approximately 6 weeks ago Brian who was suffering from arthritis in his back and joints needed help with the use of a tummy harness getting up an down the stairs, he was slow in activity and was in pain and discomfort. Presently Brian no longer is in need of the tummy harness, he has more vigor , zip, and is acting more like the dog he was when he was younger and has also lost 7 pounds. I owe a world of gratitude to everyone on staff who made this possible. Although Brian has graduated the program we are going to continue an on going maintenance program with you and I have recommended your services to other pet owners who are in need.

Thank you, again to everyone at C.A.R.E."

B.H.

Atlas & Thea

"Although we are both in the fitness industry, we finally had to face the fact that our 4 year old Mastiffs, Atlas and Thea, were fat. Really fat. We tried different food and exercise combinations; however, we had little success. With Atlas weighing 215 lbs and Thea around 175 lbs their mobility was limited and painful arthritis was making their lives less enjoyable. Atlas was having trouble just standing up and Thea’s hips were getting worse by the day. Then we found C.A.R.E. a neighbor, who had received treatment at C.A.R.E. for her Golden Retriever, referred us to Jessica and Amy and we are so glad she did. Jessica put them a diet that not only had them shedding those extra pound, their allergies cleared up as well. Amy showed us how to work with our dogs so that after our time at C.A.R.E. we could continue their rehab on our own. We couldn’t be happier with the treatment our dogs received, nor could we give them a higher recommendation. Atlas is now a spry 193 lbs and loves being chased by his sister again, and Thea, a svelte 158, is back to tug-of-war and fetch. Thanks C.A.R.E."

R.M. and Y.L.

Java and Nutmeg

"We have been blown away by the treatment out two Labrador Retrievers have received at CARE. You have definitely improved the quality of life for Java and Nutmeg. We’ve watched you go above and beyond time and time again. It’s so wonderful to find people who really put the wellbeing of animals first.

We’ve seen you come up with solutions to unique situations and keep on working until you find just the right modality or equipment. We’ve seen you put in long hours on pro bono work with a rescue dog and be genuinely happy to be able to do it.

For our dogs, you’ve met and exceeded our goals for their recovery. Out pets enjoy their sessions at CARE and I enjoy watching their sessions. The entire staff is caring and patient and it is actually fun to watch the progress and the process.

We feel privileged to have gotten to know you and your staff who also go the extra mile and really care about the animals. We would recommend CARE highly. To find such caring and committed professionals is a blessing."

L.E.

Tucker

"I am writing this as a testament to not only the miraculous healing that took place for my dog, Tucker, but for all of the dogs I have been witness to over the past year we have gone to CARE.

Tucker is a ten-year-old yellow lab who was overtaken with degenerative disk disease.  When he came to CARE, he was in excruciating pain.  With the help of everyone at CARE, Tucker went from what appeared to be death’s door to a pain-free, rejuvenated existence.  He now looks and acts like a five-year-old lab and is also happier than he has ever been.  Because Tucker loves coming to CARE, we have continued on a maintenance program.

In addition to the therapies performed at CARE, I believe one of the most therapeutic aspects is the absolute love and “care” generated by everyone who works there.  They believe that every patient can not only improve but exceed all expectations.  And, therefore, their patients demonstrate dramatic outcomes!

I have seen countless cases come to CARE – dogs that are paralyzed, crippled and considered hopeless by normal veterinary standards.  These dogs have been miraculously regenerated back to health.

I am truly grateful to CARE for facilitating Tucker back to puppy-hood and supporting me in my belief, that I also hold for my patients, that everyone can change their life and their reality."

M.R., September 2008

Lulu

"Our mastiff, Lulu, tore a ligament in her knee. Apparently it's a common injury, and all the vets we spoke to insisted that she would need a very invasive, traumatic surgery. The only vet that suggested that Lulu might be healed without surgery was Dr. Waldman.

After eight weeks, Lulu made a significant turnaround! She walks without a noticeable limp and seems to be pain free. She puts early all her weight on her bad leg now. And we have the tools and techniques to keep working on her leg at home and make sure she stays strong and flexible.

A big thank you to Dr. Waldman, Dr. Kramer, and the rest of the CARE staff for helping our little girl feel good again."

M.D.

Kayla

"The CARE and treatment that Kayla received from the wonderful staff at California Animal Rehabilitation was life changing, not only for her but me too.

Kayla is 13 and is strong, happy and healthy due in large part to her therapy regime. I watched her go from lethargic depressed and sore, back to a vibrant, prancing and thriving.

I would recommend C.A.R.E. to anyone, because the gift of a happy, healthy
pet is the best gift I can give someone.

Kayla and her sister Ruby say thank you too!!

T.A., November 2008