Bouvier, Petra Grace – A Swimming Success!
I am writing this testimonial firstly to thank Duke for his kindness and generosity during my dog’s recovery from two TPLO operations. Today Petra is a bouncy, active, and curious 4 year-old Bouvier, but last year it was a very different story. First diagnosed with immune-mediated poly-arthritis, she needed two knee surgeries during the winter of 2010.
It was a very difficult time for us. Previously we spent our time exploring along the beach, attending training classes and playing with other friends at the dog park. Bouviers love being active and Petra was no exception . . . she thought everyday was a great day to chase leaves and frisbees! After her second knee went, we had to make due with a playpen measuring 6′ by 3′ during her recovery time. She wasn’t allowed to put a lot of weight on her back legs and after 8 months of inactivity, muscle atrophy set in. She was now a Bouv with skinny pencil legs!
When our vet finally gave the all-clear to begin the rehabilitation process, the first person I called was Duke. He was so kind to us – he knew the Petra would need to be mentally stimulated and exercised, but that she would slowly have to be brought back to the physical level she was before. Duke suggested swimming in his pool to begin her journey back to wellness.
I have to admit, the first swim day I was pretty nervous. Petra had never been in water over her head before and I was worried that she would go all crazy, and either try to climb out or slowly sink. Of course, I shouldn’t have worried at all! Duke was in the pool beside her the whole time, and before I knew it, she was turned into a little dogfish! The pool is set up perfectly for injured or recovering dogs – there are three steps they walk down, and a larger step that they rest on during the swim so they try to overdo it and pull any muscles.
After two assisted swims, I was allowed to take her into the pool myself. We have a ball! Literally. Petra now loves swimming so much that she leaps ahead before I have even thrown the ball into the water. She turns around as if to ask “Well?? Why are you being so slow human?”. The swimming has helped her regain her back leg muscles also increased her joint mobility. She’ll always have problems with arthritis due to the extent of her injuries, but I have noticed that on the days after she has swum, she is much more bouncy and mobile.
I am very thankful that we have a pool available here on PEI. Yes, we are surrounded by water on our beautiful Island, but I don’t plan on swimming in the ocean during the stormy, cold winter months! Petra loves it, and I highly recommend that you give it a try!
- Petra Grace and Owner, M.
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Duke Ferguson, ABDT, MT
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