Testimonials: I learned to walk at C.A.R.E.

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.

Eddie

"Eddie has made great progress at C.A.RE. He could hardly walk when he first arrived for therapy. With much extra effort on the part of Amy Kramer and Jessica Waldman, Eddie is an active, happy dog who continues to improve."

N.D.

Wily

"While under the care of a dogwalker, Wily was hit by a van. Neurologists had little hope that he would have use of his hind legs. This was April 8, 2008. He began at CARE about 2 ½ weeks later, and for the next 8 weeks, began the most amazing healing process ever. It's nothing short of a miracle what Drs. Jessica and Amy and the entire staff at CARE have done for our boy. Every single day we saw, and still see, improvement. Wily went from me having to express his bladder and using a sling, to wobbling about and falling, to now chasing our cats again and singing. We are beyond overjoyed to see Wily back on all fours and back to his spirited self – we are stunned and in awe.. and completely grateful. The combination of exercises, the treadmill (although Wily had to do it dry for a long time because he doesn't like water), acupuncture, diet, and everyone's sheer will made it all happen, and we couldn't be more thankful. We will continue for awhile at CARE as Wily still has a little bit to go. Our goal now is to get him back to the park with his friends!"

R.F.

Monkey

"In July 07 our 4 yr. old peekapoo Monkey suffered a ruptured disc and required emergency surgery. The post-op prognosis was not good with regard to Monkey being able to walk again, and also her ability to control her bladder and bowels.

We were referred to CARE to get Monkey into physical therapy, but mainly because they do a lot of work with paralyzed dogs. We went with the unfortunate idea that Monkey would need wheels.

From the first day at CARE I knew that if there were any chance of Monkey walking that these were the people to help make it happen. Without giving false hope, they were positive, supportive, enthusiastic and most

importantly believed in Monkey to regain as much as she could.

After 2 months of therapy at CARE Monkey went from 95% paralyzed to walking. (Albeit with a few falls here and there!) She came to being dropped off there, and during a 10 day stay she really made a dramatic improvement. I dropped her off dragging her legs, and when I picked her up she walked to me!

When Monkeys work was done, it was very hard to leave everyone there. They gave her so much time, love, and care that there really isn’t any way to show gratitude.

Hopefully this will never happen to us again, but if it does we know where to go to find our way back!"

Sincerely,
M.R.F.

Sammi

"SAMMI'S BACK! Let me introduce you to Sammi. A most unique dog. He is an eight year old spinger spaniel who was lucky enough to have met a most unique team of humans to help him. While barking at a neighbors dog one day, Mom noticed he had begun limping. His limping became worse, and after only two weeks his limping had turned into falling down. Upon her visit to her local vet, she was told he had a spinal injury. Further tests revealed that he had a slipped disk just below his neck. Well, a

After the surgery and nine days in the hospital, Sammi came to C.A.R.E. He could not walk at all, or even hold his little head up. Nobody was sure if he would ever walk again. Dr. Jessica took good care of Mom that day and Amy took him into her heart and into her world of rehabilitation. She worked with him tirelessly everyday, as did the entire crew of C.A.R.E. They showed us that anything is possible and they showed Sammi how to be strong. And he did. Now, Sammi is walking and running like the other dogs. What a beautiful thing life is.

THANK YOU ALL AT C.A.R.E. SO MUCH FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!
LOVE, SAMMI"

More on Sammi: Sammi's Story (PDF Article) | Montage of Sammi's Progress (Video)

Benny

"Benny had back surgery on July 03, 2007 with an 80-85% expected recovery. We found CARE 6 weeks post surgery and Benny could walk but only with assistance as he slipped and fell every few steps. We started a program of acupuncture and therapy 2x a week and saw progress immediately. But, after 4 weeks was our biggest breakthrough-no more "monkey pants" or rather assistance with a sling.

I would say we are now at 90% fully recovered and we are still working towards 100%. We would never have seen this recovery rate without the loving staff at CARE. They truly changed our recovery outcome and helped me to know how to help my dog for optimum results.

Thank you thank you thank you!"

L.A.D.

Cleo

"Cleo can walk! Thank you CARE! Cleo was hit by a car on Jan 30, 2008. After 6 days in ICU at ASEC, she was released to me, stable but unable to lift herself, sit up or walk.

In March, Cleo began physical therapy sessions with CARE twice a week. Water therapy and physical therapy, plus exercises Cleo and I did at home. We also added vitamins and supplements, as suggested. The results were slow but steady, but all positive. Around the end of May, Cleo stood up all by herself and took her first few steps. Now, in July, only 6 months later, Cleo runs around the backyard with my other dogs. If I believed in miracles, she'd be one. I believe in supplements, physical therapy and the dedication of your staff. Cleo would never have regained her ability to walk without the physical therapy program at CARE."

S.G., July 2008

Indiana

"Indiana was treated like canine royalty by the staff at C.A.R.E. during his rehab. He made great improvements in the 4 weeks he was with Dr. Waldman, Dr. Kramer, and company. It is one of a kind treatment and now my dog will finally swim since he had aqua therapy at C.A.R.E.

Thanks to all of you!"

B.P., October 2008

Leo

"Thank you for helping us and Leo so much! We have learned so much since the minute we walked through the door for the tour! The advice and techniques we’ve learned are invaluable. We know with tough love and prayer, Leo will be walking again soon! We’re committed to his full recovery. We thank you so much for all your help! You guys are not only knowledgeable, you are awesome! Thanks and God Bless!"

L.D., July 2008

Mosley

"California Animal Rehab is incredible. They went above and beyond my expectations. When I brought my dog, Mosley, into the center, she had no use of either of her back legs and had not for 6 months. We had done some treadmill work at a facility in Indiana. I had seen small glimpses of hope and nerve responses, but to nearly anyone else who saw her, she was a lost cause. She had sores from dragging her legs and she was completely incontinent. I saw the determination in my dog and I saw that she wasn't ready to give up. Dr. Waldman saw that too. Our initial meeting was very personal and detailed. She spent time with Mosley. One thing I have never felt in this center, like you do at other doctor offices, was that I was just another paycheck. They are never rushing through their treatments and at the same time, Mosley is never left in the waiting room to be seen. Everyone can appreciate that sort of respect!! The entire staff is great! Mosley's improvement since she came to CARE is unbelievable. Her vet suspects she has a "disk disease" that caused paralysis from a slipped disk. She spent months with no use of her legs. CARE brought her from there to completely walking! She also has more control of her bathroom issues. She is a happy, happy dog. My neighbors call her the "miracle dog". It was amazing and emotional to watch the videos comparing her first day or rehab to her most recent visit. I'm so grateful for everything CARE has done for me and Mos. They will always have a special place in my heart."

J.G., November 2008