The License Plate Was Right -- Vee's Story

Getting strong, being happy. 
July, 2004

My other favorite gal, 
my grandmother, Josephine,
died at age 99 3/4 on November 11, 2003.   We visited "Ma" nearly every day.    

To honor her life, Vee and I became a 
Delta Society Therapy Pet Partner Team 
in March 2004. 

We knew that we needed more than the traditional vets prescribed, and sought vets who believed in holistic care.   Learning all we could about homeopathy, alternative treatments and still using some traditional health practices, we began a new way towards health for the animal companions in our home.  

A top-notch behaviorist and others in the animal community we consulted helped us guide Vee towards her potential.

Underweight and tremendously anxious, Vee spent hours circling and pacing in that first year.  A holistic vet helped us to understand how to heal her from the inside out.  Our goal became one of creating an environment where she felt safe.  A process, he said, that could take years if we were to undo the neglect that had been her life.   

We plunged headfirst into her recovery -- switching her to a raw food diet, learned trigger points for acupressure, learned how to give calming signals and studied anxiety disorders in canines.  We became as obsessed about finding answers as she was about pacing in circles. 

The physical effects of spinning in a crate for so long before we got her left permanent marks.  There is a slight curve to her spine, and a stretched ligament in one paw.  Regular exercise, chiropractic adjustments, massage and glucosamine supplements help keep her in top shape. 

Socialization was a key part of her therapy.  Daily visits to the convalescent home where my grandmother lived exposed her to people, situations and sounds.  Her comfort level grew exponentially.  Patients enjoyed her, and she loved the attention.   

Within six months of her arrival, we felt Vee was ready to test for a Canine Good Citizen award.  She passed with flying colors, and I began to think that becoming a Delta Society Therapy Pet Partner was within our reach.   In March 2004, we took the test, and passed.  Another proud moment for "Team Vee." 

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