Like every amazing story, it begins with a dog and in this case, 3 dogs. Before I share some of that story, I would like to say thank you for being here and reading this. It means the world to me, and I know if you’re here, you’re looking for something to help your dog or help dogs you work with. And that’s really the big reason Upward Dog Rehab & Wellness and all its initiatives exist. To help all dogs live active and fulfilled lives and empower you to help them along the way,  let’s begin.

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She was white, awkward, lanky, german shepherd puppy with a big black nose, and her left ear wouldn’t stand up straight. Her name was Sammie and she would change the world, wait and see.

Sam’s best friend and brother was Reggie, a red, exuberant, golden retriever with a huge heart. And dare I say it twice, he would also change the world.  Keep reading and I will share their stories and how they connect to you and I.

When Sam was a young pup, she fell victim poor quality chicken jerky treats causing some of her renal values to sky rocket, making her very sick.  They said “All Natural” so naturally I thought they were good for her.  I would later find out that “made in Canada” and “ingredients from Canada” do not mean the same thing.  This is when I first discovered feeding my dog fresh food. With the guidance of an integrative vet, I was able to bring Sammie’s renal values back into a normal healthy range with food!

As an adult dog, Sam experienced  another big injury while running in the snow. She blew a ligament in her knee (CCL) and needed a TPLO. This was my first introduction to canine rehab which we returned to for conservative management with a stifle brace, when she blew the other knee. At this time, a physiotherapist was mentoring the rehab vet…..

A year later, I found myself leaving my job, selling my house, and returning to school to completing a MSc and becoming a licensed PT. Followed by a Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation with the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

This was only the beginning…..

Sam also inspired her dad to share educate pet parents about diet and nutrition, through create videos online. Reggie the red golden became the face of what is now known as Planet Paws which continues inspire millions of parents around the world and has change the pet food industry as we know it.

One of the spin offs of this was the introduction of many inspiring professionals including Dr. Karen Becker. It was her that first recognized the the early signs of degenerative myelopathy (DM) in my beloved Sammie.

This was not an easy journey by any stretch, but despite her situation, Sammy continued to live a full life for almost 5 years and taught me so much about mobility, persistence, acceptance, and focusing on what I can do to help my dog.

Sadly and shockingly, we lost Reggie before Sam. This was one of the hardest times as I thought I had more time with him.

Sammie joined him in 2020, just a couple days before we went into lockdown during Covid.  I saw the chaos online and all of the misinformation on social media, and really wanted to do something to help. That was the creation of the Facebook community, Living with Dogs with Disabilities which is thriving at over 5000 members today promoting canine mobility and rehab through educational interviews and inspiring stories.

My passion for promoting mobility and empowering pet parents doesn’t stop there though.

Over the years, my local clients and pet parents online have shared their stories, especially those related to paralysis.

Most people have never heard of Canine Rehab or Dog Physiotherapy until they need it. Sadly, even when they need it many don’t learn about it. The number pet parents I’ve met with dogs with paralysis that told there was nothing they could do for their dog except surgery or euthanasia is unbelievable and as a rehab professional, frustrating to say the least. Aside from the fact that many paralysed dogs can still live a good life if you know how to care for them, many of these dogs actually walk again!

And then there’s DM. I was blessed with an incredible dog that somehow persevered through this horrible disease. Through my ongoing education and connections in the professional world, I can confidently say that pet parents of DM dogs should be empowered and educated at time of “diagnosis” because these dogs can live a good life and we can extend that life a little and sometimes a lot through fresh food, supplements, canine rehab, and client education.

That’s my soap box but there is still one more dog!

She is a small husky with fox like features and you can find her wearing a red cape, looking very proud on the front of the international bestseller, “The Foreverdog”. Her name is Shubie.

It’s been three years since Sammie passed and despite her historical anxiety, Shubie is thriving at 11. She has taught me about canine mental health and the importance of enrichment which is now engrained in everything I do with dogs.

All of these experiences, all of your experiences, and the inspiration of my little Shubie, have shaped my local canine rehab business, online consulting, livestreams and the courage to extend my our message that you can help your dog lead an active life. “Dogs That Can” podcast will be released this September 2023 and together we will empower more pet parents to help their dogs, despite injury or illness because it’s not over, it’s just different, and every dog deserves a second chance at an active and happy life!

Thank you for being here and joining this movement.