More About Dogs

My wife and I have earned a place in local lore due to our experience with Hudson. Since Jodi is a Physical Therapist, dogs that need to receive some therapy have been referred to us for an informal consult. There are no facilities in the immediate area for any kind of canine therapy; and since Jodi has such a love for dogs, she often volunteers on the side to assess and care for injured dogs for free.

The latest "patient" is a 95 pound St. Bernard named Greta. Greta was hit by a car and left for dead at the end of her owners driveway. The A-hole that did it never stopped or even called. When she was found, she was taken post-haste to the Vet, where she was pronounced free of broken bones but in very bad shape. Greta was exhibiting signs of paralysis in one of her front and rear legs, and was unable to stand or move for a week after the incident. The Vet concluded the dog needed some therapy services...but as I said, there is not any around. The owners found out about our experience with immobile dogs and contacted Jodi for some advice. Jodi paid Greta a visit and did an evaluation, and has since been back many times for Greta's therapy sessions. Greta's family have three small children and one on the way. They were unsure of what to do with Greta due to her lack of mobility, and were going through the same agonizing decisions we faced so long ago. Jodi and I offered to be available to take care of Greta if they needed it because we know how hard it is to ask someone to come and lift your dog outside three times a day for potty breaks. This does not have to become a reason to put Greta down, though it very well might. Jodi and I even consulted with each other privately and agreed that if Greta was to be euthanized, we would offer to take her in before letting that happen. She is a great dog..and still just a pup.

Greta's progress seem to be moving slower than it should; and there was some inflammation around the lumbar spine area that was not showing signs of dissipating. After consulting with the Vet, it was discovered that X-Rays taken immediately after the accident did not encompass the rear quarters. Jodi suggested a new photos of the dog's rear be taken and the owners agreed. The new X-Rays showed a one fractured vertebrae,as well as a broken process off another one. This was the reason for Greta's problems and her slow recovery. Therapy was changed immediately to account for the danger of the broken bone...Jodi did not want to MAKE the dog paralyzed for good.

Greta is doing well and the bones are healing, and I think we have found some new friends in the process. It just goes to show how people make all the difference in the lives of animals if they just care a bit and take the time to show it