My Dena is Back!

In the last year and a half I have been watching my beloved Dena succumb to old age. She began losing the strength in her back legs and had a general weakening of her entire body. I had tried everything that I could think of to help her. I used every supplement, chiropractic, and walking everyday. Then, we received a present of a swim package.

Within short period of time Dena began acting like her old self again. She could stand up in the car and look out the window while we were driving along. Then, one day, I found her waiting for me on the driver's seat when I returned from an errand. That meant that she had gotten up from the passenger seat onto the driver's seat to wait for me; something she hadn't had the strength to do in a  very long time. The day that she was able to 'counter surf' brought a huge smile to my face, this was my younger Dena! She was able to stand up on her hind legs again.

Dena has so much more energy now too. When she gets out of the pool she runs around like a puppy and that's so amazing to me.

I think Carrie and the swim therapy has added a long, quality time to her life. She is physically and mentally a much younger, active dog.

Now let me say something about Carrie... She has the ability to understand the needs of each dog and to tailor the swim time to make it both therapeutic and fun. She really communicates well with each dog. She is very aware of what therapy is needed and makes it fun too! Carrie is a truly loving, well-trained and giving person and the dogs really love her.The warm pool therapy combined with massage, exercise, and range of motion that Carrie provides is wonderful. Oh, and don't forget the weightless floating to give your dog a completely relaxing experience. My Dena just loves this and it's the treat she receives at the end of each session.

Each session is a wonderful bonding experience with you and your canine best friend. I call it our 'Mommie and me time.' What more could we ask for than fun and great healing therapy for our dogs? After all, isn't that what we want to share with our best friends~our dogs?

Kathi Gilbert
Blaine, WA

"Thanks for the TLC and attention to Dylan's comfort and joint needs. His response was so immediately positive. His gait improved and his ability to weight bear on his leg improved with the semi-weekly sessions. It felt like a miracle. Most importantly, Dylan really liked you and felt at ease in his pool sessions."

Suzanne, Bellingham, WA

"Last June, Sonoma, my five-year-old yellow lab was diagnosed with arthritis of the spine. He was having difficulty walking and getting comfortable. He was on three different pain medications, which caused him to be very lethargic. I shared with my veterinarian how quickly his quality of life had changed for the worst and how disheartening it was to see him in pain. She recommended Lap of Luxury.

"Sonoma had always loved to swim and so I made an appointment. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I saw improvement in Sonoma¹s energy level and his ability to get comfortable immediately. By the second week he was off all pain medication and acting like a five-year old dog again. He starts whining as soon as we pass Pole Road knowing he is going swimming with Carrie. He has learned how to enter the pool with grace and starts swimming as soon as his leash comes off. He is able to take long walks again and I have my companion back. Thanks to Carrie and Lap of Luxury."
 
Marie Avera

My dog, Molehu, was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia before the age of one. He was diagnosed with hip dysplasia around the age of 5. I was told that he could have hip surgery, but, since we had already scoped his elbows, that was it - he'd likely deteriorate from there and we were lucky for any time we had with him. We decided to try and give him the best life and quality we could for however long that would last him. 

Molehu recently turned 8 and has the muscle mass of a trained athlete. This keeps his elbows and hips in place and relieves a great majority of his pain. This muscle mass comes from one activity - swimming. No other activity can allow him the 2 things he loves - chasing balls and swimming - but also relieves his joints from gravity. I am convinced that swimming has extended his years at least two fold. Without swimming he would have lost his muscle mass and would no longer be able to go for walks and chase his favorite ball. This therapy has given our family quality time together with results that are amazing. No other single treatment has done more for him. His brother swims with him, and, although his brother (littermate) has none of the same issues, it benefits him as well. He has gained strength and muscle and been able to help his brother. 

I have swam with other dogs at other facilities - Lap of Luxury is the cleanest, most responsive, and best facility I have ever been to. The therapists know you and your dog. They modify everything to your need and are the most compassionate and caring people I've ever met. I trust them 100% with my 2 dogs which I feel are my kids. I could not feel more comfortable leaving them with even a family member. 

Lap of Luxury makes it a point to make you and your dog feel special - which they are! No two families or situations are the same and they make sure to customize everything to fit your needs. The therapists at the facility are amazing and I could not recommend better people to work with your dog. 

There are not enough words available to say all the wonderful things that I feel Lap of Luxury has done for my dogs and for me. I recommend them with the highest regard and level that I can. I am grateful for the facility and for the service that they provide to Whatcom County. In my family's mind we can never repay the time that they have given us with our dogs. 

Nikki Larson