Although Dad likes this one:

She’s in heaven now, but she sure was something!

Bart and Dr. Kyla

I wrote about how great I felt on my Facebook page last Friday after my first visit to chiropractor Dr. Kyla Awes. Here’s a little more information because you all seemed so interested!

I have had trouble with my front elbow and left knee for a while, since I was a puppy really. The first vet thought I had a loose ligament and the U of M thought I had a torn meniscus last year. But I am often stiff and sore and sometimes I even limp for a while. Mommy didn’t want to do surgery or keep me on pills too long so she decided to try an animal chiropractor.

Dr. Kyla was first a human chiropractor but always wanted to work with animals, so she got certified as an animal chiropractor. The adjustment was very simple and I don’t “crack” like Mommy does. Dr. Kyla adjusted several vertebrae as well as my neck and my pelvis. You can see from the picture how good I feel after my adjustment! I didn’t cry or squirm, it just felt really really good. Dr. Kyla is really nice too, although she only gave out two treats. I think when it’s your first time you should get at least three treats.

I’ve been feeling really perky and peppy ever since and definitely have not been as stiff and sore. I’m schedule for two more treatments and then we’ll see how it goes.

If you’re interested in chiropractic care for your animal there is a lot of information on her website. Just go to Drkyla.com You can also go to the website for the Animal Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) to find a therapist in your area. 

We were at the University of Minnesota veterinary center this week with Duchess and I noticed they were doing a study using Botox on arthritic dogs. (She’s fine by the way…just a bit of gastroenteritis from murdering a baby mole in Colorado.) 

Apparently the study is actually to help prove the efficacy of using Botox for arthritic joints for humans..but I did find some really interesting studies on Botox for arthritic dogs that I thought I would share. Bart is not a candidate as his lameness is mainly in the knee, but I am going to pursue this for his hips. The studies for both humans and dogs look really promising!

BTW, if you are interested in the study at the U for your dog, they need to weigh more than 45 pounds and have a forelimb that is obviously much worse than the other. Sara Pracht, the study technician, is wonderful. Just give her a call at 612-626-3574 if you’re interested.

Here’s a great book about how a dog really helps a person.  Basset hounds are really funny looking, don’t you think?

Buster stands guard

Walt Appel looks to blend the hysterical antics of a lovable, low-to-the-ground basset hound named Buster with the tragic loss of the author’s wife in Walt Appel looks to blend the hysterical antics of a lovable, low-to-the-ground basset hound named Buster with the tragic loss of the author’s wife in Buster the Ferrari Basset Buster arrives in the Appels’ lives when their friend, a canine foster parent, visits for dinner one night with the crazy canine in tow. The dinner guest clearly has no intention of taking Buster back home with him, and it soon becomes apparent why.

The dog quickly turns the couple’s world upside-down, and effectively puts an end to a peaceful household and those quiet walks in the park. Buster seems to have a knack for wandering into Baltimore’s busy streets, interacting oddly with others, and digesting foreign objects that cost a fortune to remove. The couple learns to love Buster, and finds themselves attached to what has become their companion.

Appel’s true story reaches a life-altering time when his wife Christina is diagnosed with brain cancer. Through her two-year battle, she never loses hope. When she passes away, Buster stands by Walt’s side, and helps ease his master’s pain.

This tribute to a family pet strives to move beyond the simple tales of an animal lover and to delve more into the joy of life. Filled with the escapades and exploits of a creature with a true gift for living, Buster the Ferrari Basset aims to portray one dog’s profound effect on the lives of his owners and the healing power contained in the simple ritual of sharing love.

It’s still Adopt a Senior Pet Month! This guy is bigger than I am! You can find him on Petfinder.