Greta

“Our beautiful Greta had been a Delta Society Therapy dog from 2005 to 2012. After age 11 we noticed Greta starting to have significant trouble with her back legs. Greta then started on a medication called Rimadyl which she had to be taken off of because of the many side effects. She also started taking some natural vitamins which all seemed to work for a very short time.

Greta continued to struggle with her back legs. Through age 13 we also noted some changes in her whole body and greater difficulties getting up and down which led to the point where Greta could no longer get up and walk at all. We did not understand what was happening and we were terribly worried about her and did not know what to do or where to turn.

Our veterinarian referred us to Mary Kay and we were very fortunate to be able to get an appointment with Mary Kay that day to find out what was going on. In fact, Mary Kay’s appointments were filled that day, yet she made room in her schedule to see Greta. We learned she had arthritis in many joints, including the spine, hips, knees, elbows, and probably had a torn ACL at one time. The arthritis was so bad and widespread it caused Greta to have to keep shifting and adjusting her weight to her front legs to the point that her front legs just gave out. All of that left Greta with a body that was ravaged with pain and stiffness, almost ‘frozen up’, and very weak. Greta could not have gone on if it were not for Mary Kay’s help.

Mary Kay has done wonders to get Greta up and going again. With proper massage and weight bearing exercises Greta is once again in charge at home. She has a new zest for life and keeps our other dog, Rocky (a Siberian Husky), in line! After a session with Mary Kay, Greta always has a burst of energy and has this little “gitty-up” when she is done and wants to chase Rocky or our daughter’s young lab around the house! Of course, her tail is always wagging! It is very obvious that Greta loves having Mary Kay come over to our house. Greta now knows that when the yoga mat comes out Mary Kay is on her way!

Besides helping Greta move better, Mary Kay has helped our family understand how one area of the body affects other areas. She has shown us how to massage and do exercises with Greta to keep her moving at 14 years old! As a Physical Therapist for humans and now for dogs, Mary Kay has vast experience and knowledge and is really awesome at helping and caring about our precious Greta as well as our whole family through this time. It has truly been a blessing!”

Tricia F.