Cathy & Dexter

In Memorium…

Dexter is a 13+ year old German Shepherd-Airedale mix. He’s a sweet and handsome boy who has arthritis and spinal stenosis. He’s old. Dr. Julia Gawley has been his veterinarian since we moved to Wisconsin more than six years ago. During a routine visit for annual vaccinations, she noticed some misalignment in his cervical vertebra. She thought he might benefit from chiropractic treatment. I was skeptical. Several weeks later, in addition to his normal stiffness and difficulty getting up and down, I noticed his hind legs would just stop standing. They would just fold as he was standing. When walking, he was shuffling on the tops on his hind paws. I scheduled an appointment for spinal manipulation. That first treat was amazing! While I’ve never met a sweeter dog than my Dexter, he has a real dislike for anything procedural. I was prepared for him to be resistant and struggle. He was so relaxed during the treatment that he actually dozed off a couple of times! After his initial treatment he was so much more playful and comfortable. He was jumping and pulling his bed around the house again. Now, after 4 treatments, he’s gone from taking 2 daily meds for his arthritis to taking an occasional anti-inflammatory on a bad day. Dexter is still an old dog and he still moves slowly, but the quality his life has gained from Dr. Julia’s treatments is immeasurable. It has even prompted me to seek chiropractic treatment for myself. Thank you Dr. Julia Gawley and Trail Ridge Veterinary Services.

-Cathy