Rehabilitation for people injured in a sport or recovering from a surgery or illness is part of the recommended healing regimen. Why shouldn’t it be for dogs as well? If it were up to Lori Beuerle, it would.
Lori was referred to the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado for help with her Lab, Clark, who suffered shoulder ailments. “My two choices for treatment were exploratory surgery or rehabilitation,†explains Lori, who chose rehabilitation with Marty Pease. “Clark’s treatments brought it all together,†she says. The experience led Lori to partner with Marty to open a 6000-square-foot canine rehabilitation facility, Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group (CRCG).
CRCG looks and performs just like a human rehabilitation center. The staff practices exercise, recreation, and rehabilitation with their four-legged patients. The certified therapists and veterinarians use an underwater treadmill, an endless pool, and other physical therapy modalities to aid recovery. Lori’s previous dog, Indiana, gave her the inspiration to add the indoor pool for pooches. “Indiana loved to swim, and the swimming options in the Denver area were limited,†Lori explains. The benefits of her dog’s swimming - prolonging Indiana's life and improving her comfort - proved to be priceless.
In the next year, CRGG will expand its services. “We will be adding home care and drop-off services, a model that is coming closer to matching human health care," Lori promises. "We can help animals who are unable to leave the house, or whose caregivers are homebound.†CRGG also plans to offer a full range of consulting services nationwide to help veterinarians, physical therapists, and entrepreneurs create canine rehabilitation centers for their communities.
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For more information: Canine Rehabilitation & Condition Group 3760 South Lipan Street Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 762-SWIM (7946) www.dog-swim.com
