Needles and Funds
So did you know that dogs can benefit from acupuncture? Well, my vet recommended that I try it on my 12.5 year old chocolate lab, FR. She suffers from arthritis and lately has been knuckling over in the back and stumbling a bit. It really breaks my heart to see her body give out before her spirit does. While she can’t join B and I on our fitness walks, she does enjoy many play sessions indoors that usually involve teasing of some sort. Typically the weapon of choice is an expired cardboard toilet paper roll. Oh how she loves to torment B who covets anything that the “other dog” has. FR uses said toys in strategic manipulation by enticing B to come and get it and surrender the preferred seating on the dog chair. By the time B realizes what has transpired, FR is as snug as a bug in a rug - or in this case, a chair.
But I digress… so I take FR to this new vet that specializes in holistic remedies that work in conjunction with traditional meds and therapy. She is a nervous wreck (nothing surprising) but they make us wait in the cat room. I mean there were at least 20 kittens in crates right in the very room. FR is not a fan. Now add to the equation that I have cat allergies. So I politely explained that the room would not do and asked for a new one. Eventually, when one opened up, the request was fulfilled and FR relaxed and waited patiently. Dr. H enters, introduces himself and shows her a little love. After a quick assessment, he explains that we have several avenues to explore. He showed me that her feet do reposition themselves when “asked” and that was positive evidence that there is no serious spine damage. What a relief. I was afraid that with no muscle left in her legs it might be futile.
So we complete the session with no incident - she was actually pretty good about it all. Even when they added some electricity to the mix. I suspect it felt good as she was very relaxed? So after writing a rather big check, I now wait and see how she does and report back later in the week for more needles and funds. But in general, I am excited to think she may get some deserved relief so I feel it is worth every penny.
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