Griffey and Ellen
Dr. Heather, can you set the stage for us about Griffey?
Before I meet any new patient, I always review the pet’s previous medical records that are available. Griffey’s medical history was difficult to discern because his anxiety and fear has made traditional veterinary visits a challenge for him. He has a wonderful primary care Vet who takes his anxiety into account and does most of the heavy handling and noxious exam components under sedation to keep his anxiety to a minimum. We don’t currently have the ability to safely perform sedation at Ruff Day, so I knew my hands-on exam would likely be limited before I even met Griffey. In his first visit, I didn’t even try to touch him. We played some mobility games, gave him lots of treats and fun toys, and allowed him to opt out of anything that seemed to make him nervous. Simply watching him interact with the fitness equipment in his environment gave me a TON of information about how he was moving, what parts of his body he was guarding, and where some sources of his pain might be. Over the next several visits, we worked up to doing more and more challenging physical exercises, watching his body adjust to the changes and seeing how his strength and comfort were improving (or not), changing his exercise plan as needed to accommodate his ever changing physical needs. By his 3rd visit, I was able to pet him. By his 5th visit, he was running up to me, jumping on me, and begging for my attention. We started hands-on laser therapy that visit, and our relationship continues to blossom. Sometimes I even get Griffey face kisses!
Working with anxious dogs, or dogs with fear-based aggression, is one of the more challenging things Veterinarians and staff face. Being able to slow down and take the time to earn these patients’ trust has been one of the most rewarding things about building Ruff Day Vet + Pet Gym. Seeing a patient go from tail tucked, shivering, or even growling and barking at me, to tail wagging, giving kisses, and begging for my attention over the course of just a few visits will never cease to bring a smile to my face.
A natural athlete, Griffey expresses a formidable enthusiasm for challenging exercises that require strength and coordination, in this case standing with all four paws on an an unstable piece of equipment.
What does Griffey’s Family want to share about Ruff Day Vet?
Can you share a brief story about your pet's health journey and how our team has helped you during your visits?
Griffey has a history of health challenges with his spine, and a sensitivity around handling for vet exams. Working with Heather and Adam, Griffey has been improving in his pain management, his mobility, and his comfort around non-family members has been improving tremendously.
What specific services or treatments did your pet receive at Ruff Day Vet?
Mobility and strength training, laser therapy
What do you appreciate most about the care your pet has received, and how has their health and well-being improved since starting treatment with us?
The care the entire team has to Griffey's comfort and experience. The dedication to Griffey having a fun, healthy, and productive session, and emphasizing his having a good experience leading to excitement to go to Ruff Days and work with the team. He's been so much more active in a good way, we're seeing a decrease in sensitivity to startling stimuli, and he's STOKED to go to visit his friends.
Are there any standout moments or milestones during your time with Ruff Day Vet?
Getting him to comfortably have laser treatment on his back. That was a HUGE milestone that was made possible by taking a slow approach, giving Griffey the chance to communicate when it is too much, and letting him build a relationship with the clinic and the people.
What advice or encouragement would you give to other pet owners considering our services?
Heather and Adam are incredible and will take your concerns, feedback and observations very seriously. They've done a fantastic job of making the exercises approachable, listening to my feedback on Griffey's success with the exercises, and are flexible in making plans that will actually work for him RIGHT NOW when we're having higher or lower pain days.
Do you have any personal anecdotes or special memories involving your pet that you’d like to share?
The last time we went, he ran directly to the door and greeted everyone with a big woo woo and a happy, wiggly bum.
