How I got started in animal rehab!
A lot of people thought I might have tried pursuing veterinary medicine in college, because I was always such an animal lover while I was growing up. But the philosophy of rehabilitation, of empowering people to get better, seemed more in line with me emotionally, so I set out down that path.
While in physical therapy school, I came upon an article in a magazine, talking about how physical therapists were starting to work with animals, and I thought, that sounds perfect for me. But I knew I needed to get through physical therapy school and wanted to get some experience under my belt treating people. I tucked the article away and made a mental note that I wanted to pursue this someday.
Fast forward five years, I had been a physical therapist for four years at the time and my neighbors knocked on my door. Their Great Dane had a stroke. They said, “We know you’re a PT. Any advice?”
So I went over and watched him move, the similar patterns I had seen in my human patients. And I rattled off the strategies I would use if he were human, and things they might be able to do. That encounter reminded me of the article I read about PTs working with animals in PT school. And quickly after, I went off on a journey, first volunteering at, and eventually working at veterinary rehabilitation clinics, and now performing animal rehabilitation in the home health setting.
That was 18 years ago, and I’m still so happy my neighbors knocked on my door. Little did I know that it would not only change my professional life, but also change my personal life in profound ways. Entering the field of animal rehabilitation inspired me to adopt my Rosie, a paralyzed dachshund, the inspiration behind Rosie’s Place. And now, I’ve adopted her two successors, Theo and Juliet.
Although, when someone asked me not that long ago about how I got involved in animal rehabilitation I had this memory spring up that I had tucked away. When I was 11 years old, my friend’s hamster had babies. One of those babies was born not being able to move his arm and leg on one side of his body. They named him Bouncy, because of the way he moved. I always used to try and help him move his arm and his leg so he could keep up moving with the other hamsters, so I guess technically, Bouncy was my first patient!
What a Session Looks Like
At Your Home or Online
I specialize in working with animals with disabilities and those who have had recent neurosurgeries. After working in veterinary rehabilitation clinics for 10 years, I realized that these populations could be served well in the home based setting, as I do with my pediatric patients.
As a Mom to two dachshunds with disabilities myself, I realized that it’s a whole different world when you’re at home, versus in a clinic, and I want to be able to help my client’s in their daily lives as much as possible.
Working in your home allows me to custom tailor your pet’s physical rehabilitation program to you and your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and environment. In addition to your pet’s physical rehabilitation we can brainstorm any problems that need solving regarding your pet’s various needs in your home environment (i.e. mobility, bladder expression, floor surfaces, transferring in and out of the car . . .and anything else with which you might need help). We can establish goals together that would best help you and your pet, so you can both get back to enjoying your daily activities and routines together!
For pets that have had recent neurosurgeries, physical rehabilitation in the home setting can be especially beneficial. It eliminates the stress of travel after a surgery, and allows me to help you figure out your (although temporary) new daily routines.
I’ve been there before myself with my pet after an intervertebral disc disease flare up (IVDD), and after multiple surgeries and treatments during one of my pet’s nearly three year bout with cancer. I know the feeling when you’re just so happy to get your pet home after a surgery or medical ordeal, but when you arrive you wonder why you didn’t ask for specific instructions in how to move your pet around, help them potty, or how to position them during the day. Working in your home allows us to problem solve in your home setting, so you can use what you’ve learned immediately to make a difference in you and your pet’s daily routine.
An initial evaluation is performed in the comfort of your home. Together, we’ll come up with a treatment plan specifically tailored to you and your pet’s needs. Frequency of sessions and duration of plans are all customizable. This is your pet’s therapy and we will work with you. Payment plans are available as well.
Not located in the Chicagoland area? No problem, we can help you through online consults!
