When we came to the Red Dog, Joey had suffered a fall and as a result had become quite lame in his back and hind quarters.  Due to a condition in his spine, the vets were unable to determine exactly what had happened to Joey, what injuries he had or if he would ever stand a chance of recovery to his condition prior to his fall.  The belief was that his condition was inoperable. Joey is a young dog who had a terrible past prior to his rescue.  We felt we had to do everything we could to try and give him the life he didn’t, but should have had.  We discussed possible treatments with the vet specialist.  We decided to try adding Omega 3 and Glucosamine to his diet and water therapy for exercise.  We knew that all or none of this might help.  The Vet wasn’t sure swimming would help unless he was able to get in the pool a couple times a week.  We knew that time was the enemy and that he was clearly weakened by his injury.

We had taken a tour of Red Dog during an open house and remembered seeing the pool.  We began making inquiries and decided to try a session in the pool to see if it was doable and if we thought there was benefit.  While it was traumatic with our first visit, we believed that if we could stick with it, it would at least make Joey stronger.  On his first visit he tired quickly and had a lot of difficulty walking after the swim, but after a day to rest he was no worse off.

We started slowly with bi-weekly visits.  Joey was making slow progress and we were seeing the visits become less stressful and his stamina in the pool improved.  This is where I can’t say enough about Sandy and the Red Dog staff.  Sandy was gentle, soothing and patient.  Joey really liked Sandy and was eager to come and see her (even if it meant he had to work when he was in the pool).  The staff was very kind and encouraging of this huge dog that would lay down in the lobby and look like he was unable to move another inch.  They pulled out rugs to help him get traction and would call to him and help get him in the car when he was totally worn out.  Despite the inconvenience I am sure we presented, the staff was always encouraging and never made us feel like we were a pain or inconvenience to them.

As Joey gained strength we moved from bi-weekly to weekly swims.  Joey’s stamina got better with each visit and his recovery process from the swim got shorter and less traumatic.  Joey had such trust of Sandy that she was able to manipulate him in the water to the point he was on his back.  On a few occasions he was so relaxed that he nearly fell asleep during a massage.  Joey was improving at home and while he would still occasionally aggravate his injury, his recovery was quicker.  He was beginning to trot when outside and just had a total transformation of his attitude.  He was happy!

Finally, in November, we saw something truly remarkable happening with Joey.  He was starting to have a spring in his walk and he was starting to pull on the leash.  He was eager to come to the pool and only put up a mild resistance to the getting in the pool.  His recovery from the swim was taking 5 minutes or less.  He could walk confidently on the tile floors and was eager to get out and meet people.  It was in December when the big payoff came.  Joey stopped reinjuring himself and actually started to run.  We had to keep him from jumping because he was that eager and feeling that good.  He is every bit as happy and mobile as he was prior to his fall.

Thank you doesn’t seem adequate.  We feel as though we got our dog back and that he has added a few years back to his life that seemed all but lost.  I can’t say that every dog would have the same outcome, but I can say that if a dog can get a benefit from the water therapy, Red Dog is the place to be.  The staff is dedicated and they clearly love their jobs and the animals that are placed in their care.  Sandy is patient and she truly loves what she is doing.  We credit her with giving us our dog back.  We tell everyone his story and about the people who have helped him have yet another chance at life.

Thank you!

Vince and Jaye

Duke
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how thrilled I am with the Aquatics program. My 12 year old mixed breed, Duke, has been swimming with Sandy since the beginning of May. He has had chronic arthritis for several years. When I saw that your facility offered swim therapy, I checked with Duke’s vet to see if he thought it would be helpful. He thought it was a great idea so we started with a 15 minute fun swim. At first, Duke was apprehensive but Sandy made him feel secure and at ease quickly. Duke has been swimming weekly ever since and there have been several significant changes including, increased stamina, better mobility, weight control and general improved fitness. Also, he LOVES it. He knows where he’s going as soon as we turn onto Madison and starts wagging his tail!

I’d like to thank you for having the swim program and someone as kind as Sandy helping my wonderful dog stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Edye

The pool is my favorite part of Red Dog. The Pool services are terrific and Sandy Hodges, the aquatics practitioner, is really fantastic. She is so caring and gentle and you can tell that she loves dogs.  My dog, Chappy, needs exercise and the pool is a great way for him to keep fit, while having fun.

It’s always a pleasure to be there. The pool and other facilities are immaculate and the staff is great.

I’m looking forward to a long relationship.

Sincerely,

Sheri

Gracie
It is not often one encounters first-rate service month after month, so I want to tell you how much I have appreciated the staff and facilities at Red Dog.

My little Doodle, Gracie, was petrified of the water when we tried swimming at Red Dog. At first, I wanted her to get more exercise, but then it became clear that she was unable to swim. Sandy was so patient and loving and worked with her week after week until she finally got it. Now, she appears quite proud of herself as she glides through the water and retrieves the toys Sandy throws across the pool. I no longer have to worry about her drowning when we are near water, and she is in great shape. That pool offers a low impact way to give her the exercise she needs.

Whenever we go to Red Dog, for the swimming, day care or the private doggie park, we are greeted with friendly competent people who love dogs and are happy caring for them. I am grateful that we found such a place. It’s fun going there for us and our dogs.

Sincerely,

Patricia

Sophie and Erin
We love your facility!  Sophie and Erin Gibson are relatively frequent visitors. Their favorite Suite is the “I Love Lucy” Suite, where they can be close to all the goings on and to the people at Red Dog.  Unlike the “cages” at some other facilities, Red Dog is home away from home for them, with comfy doggie beds and a bed-time story (tuck in service).  And with the doggie-cam, I can check in on them via computer any time I like!  

I have complete confidence in the wonderful, doggie-loving staff who care for Sophie and Erin as though they were their own.  Over time, the staff has really gotten to know my babies. They have discovered that Sophie is social and loves to go to daycare, whereas, Erin (the 13 year old) is happy just “hanging out” in the suite.  They tell me that Sophie shows them when she has had enough play time, standing patiently by the door to go back to her room and her sister. 

Angela, the groomer, is a miracle worker, getting knots out of Sophie’s fine Cavlier King Charles fur after she has been romping in the woods or on our farm. Her fur is like Velcro, accumulating burrs and sticks but Angela manages to work them out and Sophie is none the worse for wear.

With Red Dog, I have the ultimate peace of mind that my dogs are cared for, that they are comfortable with the people and their surroundings. I never dreamed we’d find a place to leave the dogs that I actually feel this great about.  Thank you, Red Dog and all your wonderful staff!

Anni

Billy and Pig
Red Dog is amazing!!  I started bringing my dogs, Billy and Pig, to Red Dog about 1 year ago.  My dog Billy, a 7 year old Pembroke Corgi, was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease and had become paralyzed in his hind legs.  Since I travel quite a bit, I needed to find a kennel that could provide the care that a paraplegic dog requires.  One of our friends mentioned this new place that she had been taking her dog called Red Dog Pet Resort and that they have a geriatric unit that would be great for Billy.  She spoils her dog to no end, so I knew this place had to be for real.  Long story short, I have been bringing Billy and Pig to Red Dog ever since.  Not only is it a beautiful facility, but the entire staff is amazing!  Your pets get showered with love and top-notch care, and it is just as enjoyable for the pet owners.  My only fear is moving to another city someday and not having Red Dog there for me and my dogs."

"In addition to utilizing Red Dog's boarding facilities, I have also been brining Billy and Pig on weekly trips to Red Dog's Aquatic Facility.  Billy's neurosurgeon recommended aquatic therapy for dogs with his condition and it is truly a blessing to experience the support and activities that Red Dog's Aquatic Facility has to offer.  The greatest thing about the aquatics program is Sandy Hodges, the on-site aquatic practitioner, and her assistant Sherry.  Sandy works so well with Billy and has truly proved to me the multiple benefits of aquatic therapy.  After starting therapy, Billy became a completely different dog....... he seems so much more comfortable, energetic, and happy.  Sandy is so sweet that she even lets Pig, my Jack Russell, jump in for a few laps every now and then; this is especially great for spending some of Pig's INFINITE ENERGY (just ask the staff, they're all very familiar with Pig's abundance of energy).  My dogs no longer get excited at the mention of the word "treat".  "Treat" has been replaced with "Red Dog!" 

Corey