The other week I spent some time with a lovely Labrador, at the Ashbourne Canine Hydrotherapy Centre.
Ozzie, the black lab had been having mobility problems and his family were trying out a range of approaches to help him. I think there’s a benefit in this because whilst one therapy may not work today, it could well be the perfect thing next week.
Animals as well as humans are designed to be in a permanent state of movement and change. This is why we don’t as a rule choose to eat the same food and wear the same clothes day in and day out, our preferences change according to the weather, the seasons, our moods. The same principle applies to our animals.
As far as Ozzie was concerned he was being assessed prior to his first session on the water treadmill. He has such a trusting and laid back nature, despite his first few years being rejected and rehomed several times before he came to live with his forever family. Being a Labrador and a real water baby he had a wonderful time on the treadmill and didn’t miss a step as the water was introduced and the level rose over his paws. Whilst he was enjoying the experience his muscles were being strengthened. It looked a lot more fun to me than any gym I’d ever been to!
After this first session Ozzie had a shower and a rub down with a warm towel. The expression on his face said it all. The hydrotherapy centre had a new fan.
It’s early days yet but Ozzie is certainly walking more freely and possibly dreaming of those warm rubdowns…