Good Kharma

It's officially Summertime!
The warm weather seems to have settled in for good, and if the wind will only stop trying to blow us right over the mountains, it's a great time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful place we call home.
Many people choose to add a dog to their family for just such a purpose - a loyal friend and companion to join us in our outdoor adventures. Someone to insist we get up for that morning jog when we're having trouble pulling ourselves out of bed.
At Dublin Animal Hospital, we know that getting active with your dog is not only fun and rewarding, but essential to your dog's physical and mental health. Unfortunately, all too often our clients are forced to leave their four legged buddy at home while they hike, run, or enjoy a comfortable picnic in the park. Why?
Because while Fido might be the picture of domesticated perfection inside of his house - the minute he gets out things quickly unravel.

Barking, pulling at the leash, lunging at other dogs, and behaving like an overall menace, until you are counting the seconds it will take you to reach home.

Does this sound familiar? If so, take heart - you aren't alone!
Sit. Stay. And enjoy the story of Kharma - a true diamond in the rough who needed just the right family  and a very special trainer to help her shine.

When Dr. Lena Roeder and her husband, Marcus, decided to add a new member to their family, they knew they wanted a dog that would fit easily into their active lifestyle - camping, hiking, and joining Dr. Roeder on her daily runs. After contacting HO-BO Care Boxer Rescue, they were introduced to a 10 month old female they decided to call Kharma - and fell instantly in love.

Kharma had a bit of a checkered past, including a bad habit of jumping impossibly high fences - which had more than once landed her a visit to the Humane Society. But the Roeders were confident that with time, love, and sufficient exercise, Kharma could overcome her less endearing habits and settle right into her new home.

She seemed to be on the path to doing just that - and after a brief adjustment period became lovingly attached to her new family, which included family dogs Owen, Racer and Penelope.

But soon the Roeders began to see another side to Kharma. Extremely insecure, Kharma would become impossible to handle when people came over - including the Roeder's own children visiting from college! Her physical size and deep, barrel chested bark made her an intimidating spectacle for visitors. Like so many dog owner's facing this same dilemma, the Roeders began to feel as though having company was more problem than pleasure. Not only that, but taking Kharma anywhere was proving nearly impossible. Instead of enjoying her daily run, Dr. Roeder found herself constantly tense, worrying that someone would be around the next turn and set Kharma off. This was not the life she'd envisioned for herself or her dog. They needed help, and they needed it fast.

For 24 years, Rick Walkley has dedicated his life to the education and training of dogs and their owners. In 2008 he started Focus Dog Training in Colorado Springs. His mission?

One trainer, One dog, One goal.

Rick Walkley, Focus Dog Training

Rick's impressive career experience and tutelage under some of the world's most renowned dog trainers has given him the expertise to develop a unique training program which is tailored to meet the needs of each individual dog he works with. Unlike some traditional training centers, Focus Dog Training  does not use a set criteria for every dog that comes through. Many of Rick's clients come with relatively simple goals - for example, they want their dog to reliably sit, stay, and come on command. Elderly owners no longer able to adequately exercise their dog may need Rick to train their pet to run on a treadmill. Some of these goals can be accomplished in relatively few sessions and do not require the standard six weeks' worth of classes offered by traditional training programs. Other dogs, like Kharma, have more extensive needs. Dogs suffering from insecurity can be aggressive toward not only other dogs - but people as well. Training can not only considerably improve the quality of life for both dog and owner - but can actually save the life of a dog prone to insecure aggression.

According to Rick, the number one mistake made by dog owners with regards to training is simply the lack of training! Many people believe that the purpose of training lies solely in puppy socialization or when a dog becomes out of control. The truth is, every dog can benefit significantly from Rick's program. In fact, Rick recommends beginning as soon as you bring your new puppy home.

The Roeder's goal for Kharma? To finally banish the insecurities that were keeping her and their family from leading an active, happy, and full life.

They were amazed to see a difference in her after only one session with Rick! In the proper hands, Kharma proved to be a willing and enthusiastic student - but it would take some time for her to be fully rehabilitated. After talking with the Roeders and gaining an understanding of what their ultimate goals for Kharma were, Rick put in four weekly training sessions where she learned not only basic commands, but learned to perform them reliably - off lead. In addition to this, Kharma underwent five days of more intensive training sessions one on one with Rick. During these sessions, he helped her to become the confident, obedient dog that he knew she could be.

The impact of her time at Focus Dog Training on Kharma's family has been profound. Even at home, Kharma's relationships with the other dogs and humans has taken a drastic turn for the better. The Roeders can now enjoy having guests over - without Kharma's loud objections. And perhaps best of all, Dr. Roeder now has a running companion that shares her love of being outdoors and exploring favorite trails together. She no longer has any fear of other runners or animals crossing paths with them, and she and Kharma can simply relax and enjoy one another's company.

And Kharma?

She has the happiest ending of all. Love, Family, and a Forever Home to call her own. 



Does your dog need Focus Dog Training? The short answer is -- yes!

Any dog, of any age and obedience level, can benefit from Rick's training program.

Contact Rick today to learn more: email rick@focusdogtraining.com, or call

719-291-1685

All of us at Dublin Animal Hospital wish you and your four legged family a fun filled summer!

What are you and your pet doing this summer?

Email us at jenn.dublinanimalhospital@gmail.com

We'd love to feature your fun summer activities on our blog!

Help a friend in need! http://www.hobocare.com/

From Mystery to Miracle: Yeager's Journey

As with human medicine, veterinary medicine is never an exact science. When a patient comes to Dublin Animal Hospital with symptoms that cannot be easily explained, the veterinarian faces the considerable challenge of finding the right treatment when they can't be sure of the diagnosis. In every veterinarian's career, there is a particular case that stands out. For Dr. Katie Phillips, a German Shepherd named Yeager is one.


Yeager with his favorite veterinarian, Dr. Katie Phillips

 Leslyn and Don Groccia are long time clients at Dublin Animal Hospital, and they always make sure that their three dogs and two cats get to see Dr. Katie Phillips. "When Dr. Phillips treats our animals, we really feel like she is caring for them as though they were her own", Leslyn explains. 

She recalls the evening in 2008 when she noticed her German Shepherd Yeager was suddenly limping on one of his front legs. She thought at first that he must have played too hard with the other dogs - but thinking it better to be safe than sorry, she took Yeager to the emergency clinic.

After examining Yeager and taking some X-Rays, the veterinarian on duty diagnosed him with a sprain and applied a cast to the injured leg - instructing the Groccias to follow up with Dr. Phillips within a week. But only a few days later, Yeager wouldn't eat. Even more alarming, they could see blood seeping from beneath his cast - they rushed him to see Dr. Phillips.
When Yeager arrived at Dublin Animal Hospital, Dr. Phillips set about removing the cast on Yeager's leg. She was shocked to find the skin underneath was covered in deep bruises. Upon shaving the leg for a closer look, the skin began to break and tear. While it was almost immediately clear that this was not, after all, a sprain - Dr. Phillips was at a loss to explain what could be wreaking such havoc on Yeager's body. Her only clue was a tiny puncture wound at the top of his leg - so small that it might not have been visible had the leg not been so swollen. Dr. Phillips wondered - could Yeager have been bitten by a poisonous snake or spider?

While the cause of his symptoms weren't immediately clear, Dr. Phillips did know that Yeager would need to be hospitalized in order to be properly cared for by the staff. He would need fluids, antibiotics, and very careful treatment of his wounds. A special kennel area was prepared for Yeager - one that must be constantly sterilized to prevent infection or further damage to his tissues.

Day after day, Yeager's health continued to decline. The bruising spread from his leg to his abdomen, as the poison in his system spread and ate away at the skin tissue. He required numerous procedures to remove dead tissue so that his body could attempt to heal. During his nearly four week long hospital stay, the technicians and veterinarians kept constant watch over him. His bandages needed to be changed daily, and this had to be done under general anesthesia to prevent Yeager from suffering too much pain.


Yeager during the worst of his ordeal, undergoing tissue repair

The Groccias visited with Yeager at the hospital and fervently hoped their beloved dog would somehow pull through.
Dr. Phillips' prognosis was hopeful, but guarded. The damage to his system had been so extensive - would her efforts be enough to save him?

Finally, a breakthrough - the poison appeared to have spent itself, and Yeager was beginning the long process of healing. Much to his family's delight - he was even ready to return home! Each day for several months, he would have to return to the clinic for bandage changes, and much to everyone's relief - every bandage change showed that he was indeed healing and growing new, healthy tissue.

Leslyn remembers Yeager being so familiar with the hospital by this point, that immediately upon arriving he would trot straight to his special kennel! Yeager had become quite the celebrity - easily charming the entire staff with his sweet personality. While we all hoped he'd be back to his normal self as soon as possible - he was certainly not a patient we minded seeing every day!

And, five long months later - he was back to his old self. Leslyn says that she knew Yeager was "Yeager" when he finally started playing with his sister Chloe again!

To look at him today, one would never guess how close Yeager came to losing his life. If not for a quick thinking, fast acting owner and the dedication of his very special veterinarian, he most likely would not be here today. While it is still not completely clear what happened to Yeager, the most plausible explanation is that he was, in fact, bitten by a spider. And not just any spider - Yeager's symptoms most closely match the devastation caused by the venom of a brown recluse.

He is truly, one lucky boy.

And we're lucky to know him.