My calm, easy-going, sweet and beloved Bailey is an uncommon German Shepherd with, unfortunately, some all too common, breed-specific immune system conditions. Bailey has Canine Lupus and Degenerative Mylopathy, a disease most closely corresponding to Multiple Sclerosis in humans. Leading veterinary experts now consider both as an autoimmune condition or disease. Where it will end for Bailey is a slow loss over the control of her rear feet and legs.
In the meantime, my dog and I are doing everything possible to mitigate the effects and outcome. I—and Bailey, surely, if he could speak like we humans—am happy to say that swimming with Sheila, Emily, Heather and all of the other swim therapists at Wellsprings-K9 helps him and he loooooooves it. Bailey is not your typical Shepherd and he doesn’t whine, cry, and prance like most … until he’s walking up the drive to Sheila’s door. But I think it may be the massage he loves best. I hear he becomes a giant, hairy, 70-pound marshmallow in the arms of his swim ladies.
Since swimming at Wellsprings-K9, his physical stamina has improved and he can again return to his favorite haunts where he sniffs out the goings-on of other dogs and critters of our neighborhood. He has improved coordination such that he can give back to his dog friend (a rambunctious and irrepressible three-year-old Standard Poodle) that the Poodle gives to him. He has greater awareness of what his rear feet are doing and how to correct them when they are not in the right position. He has lost weight, which helps overall health and wellbeing. Bailey’s human neighbors and friends comment on his improved health and appearance. His gait and stance have returned to something more healthful and normal.
Swimming has also improved his Lupus. He’s had no outbreaks since swimming.
But mostly it’s wonderful to see some of the youthful abandon and joy return to my 11-½ year-old friend. The staff are wonderful and their breadth and depth of knowledge beyond swimming physical therapy comforts, amazes, and pleases me. They are kind, generous, compassionate, and committed to dogs. What more can you ask? And shouldn’t we all be like this?
Tracy Dominques