brooke's blog

For many of our aussie pooches they love swimming but find entering the pool or water without walking in a little disconcerting.

We are looking into an appropriate ramp to help with the safety of this for the owner and the dog and make swimming less stressful.

Have a look at: http://pupgearcorporation.com/Products/doggydocks for an option (though a little costly).

I find the ruffwear portage float coat has been fantastic over the years to provide just enough buoyancy, last for years and fit snugly.  This helps you safely get your dog in and out of the water also.

Happy swimming!

What a beautiful little face! Geezer is doing just so well.  He is only a couple of weeks after spinal surgery and is home and well.  He improved so quickly after surgery he managed to get home the next day.  We are gradually working on his stability and strength as his ataxia (unco-ordinated gait) improves.  He loves his water time, relaxes with his acupuncture and laps up the hands-on physiotherapy sessions we are giving him. Every day he is making gains and with such a keen owner should make a full recovery.  Go geezer!

cheers

This gorgeous kelpie is being a good working puppy fighting to regain health and mobility after debilitating discospondylitis.  We have been treating him with gentle massage, stretches (especially for his hips), Balance/stability training, underwater treadmill (for assisted swimming and walking in water) and acupuncture for pain relief and healing.  He tolerates all very well though his first swim ever was interesting! With such a big heart and being full of beans, I hope over the next few months Caesar continues to improve and regain full strength and buns of steel.

Hail caesar!

Thanks so much for a beautiful contribution to my testimonial from Beanie and Sage.  Feel free to read their story about their physiotherapy experiences.
Thanks kindly!

GET READY FOR WARMER WATERS AND HAPPY SWIMMING!!

I FIND THESE RUFFWEAR PORTAGE FLOAT COATS HAVE HELPED SO MANY OF MY CLIENTS IN THEIR REHABILITATION.
THESE COATS ARE OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY AND LAST AND LAST

TO HELP YOUR DOG SAFELY GET IN AND OUT OF THE WATER AND GIVE THEM JUST ENOUGH BUOYANCY TO USE THEIR LEGS MORE EFFECTIVELY, I FIND THESE ONES THE BEST.
ESPECIALLY FOR HIP DYSPLASIA, ARTHRITIS, FOLLOWING SPINAL INJURY THESE ARE BENEFICIAL. I CAN NOW LET MY DOG MISSIE SWIM INDEPENDENTLY WITH THIS VEST AFTER HER SPINAL INJURY WITHOUT ME PHYSICALLY  HAVING TO GET IN THE WATER. SHE LOVES AND AND ENJOYS HER FREEDOM ALSO.
ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CALL. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND YOU ONE IF NEEDED.

I have just received a new shipment of the Portage Float coat for Dogs:

This has been invaluable for many clients (including my missie) to help with buoyancy with Swimming.

I also enables the owner to safely transfer their pet in/out of the water, car, up stairs, across slippery floors.

Some Buoyancy vests are too thick and buoyant, enabling the animal to just float if they fall out of a boat.

I have used the Ruffwear Float coat for years and find it is so hardy, 1 set has lasted me 4 years with very high use for all my clients in the underwater treadmill.  With a 2 year warranty, Ruffwear stands up to its name. If you would like to order one find my products page under Ruffwear and fill out a purchase form.

Happy swimming! Brooke

Many have been asking after my Missie. Thanks for your concerns.
We have had an interesting couple of weeks. I might be biased but she really is a star patient. I have been pulling all the tricks out of my sleeve and doing my best (as is she). She is getting up more easily, walking assisted with a towel and wants to explore.  Missie will look drunk (ataxic) for some time (probably 6months or so) and it will be a long road but she is really progressing fast. It has not even been 2 weeks since her incident at the beach where she had her spinal injury (Type 3 thoracolumbar disc).
I found her mojo on thursday and put her in the pool with the portage float coat. She got her competitive nature back trying to beat her sister to the frisbee (a slight unfair advantage to her bigger 4 legged sister) and both legs are kicking well. This is a great way to keep her fitness up and get her bowels moving! The odd present is dropped for me on the way but you know... she can't help that.   We have been doing lots of underwater treadmill sessions also and of course physiotherapy and acupuncture. She now is only on natural supplements and medication. So all good so far!
Go Missie and thanks for trying so hard!

I have just added a lovely testimonial for Frank.  He is now walking after spinal surgery and doing really well

If you are interested his very dedicated owners have added a you tube link of him swimming in his vest.  Great to see him so happy and getting back to quality of life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz-neReguKE

They have even ordered a cart so they can take him for big long bike rides...

Have you ever seen such a lucky dog!!!!?!

For those daschund owners out there these are also an option these days. I guess Frank did something right in his last life to find such great owners.
Well done Nop and Kat - all his Christmases have come at once finding owners like you from Daschunds Rescue Australia!

Cheers
Brooke