Dr. Heather, can you set the stage for us about Henry?

As a grand champion dock diver and all-around high-performance dog in many canine sports, Henry lets us know that the way you move says more about you than your age. At 8 years old, a year after his human thought he’d retire, he took the National dock diving title for his breed. He’s 9 years old this year, and gearing up for his next dock diving season with no indication that he wants to stop competing any time soon! We originally started seeing Henry for a performance-related soft tissue injury. Once we worked him through that injury, Henry’s human found that we were able to help her develop a training regimen that could help keep his body strong, enhancing his performance and protecting his body against future performance-related injuries. Henry is a dog who throws caution to the wind, and we still treat occasional injuries as they arise, but much of the care Henry receives is to keep his body and mind conditioned so he will be able to continue doing the things he loves doing with his family and friends. His balanced, muscled body and engaged mind keep Henry moving through life with the speed and enthusiasm of a dog half his age!

What does Henry’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?

Henry is a 9 year old very active flatcoated retriever who basically has no self- preservation skills. He participates in multiple sports such as dock diving, field work, FASTCAT, Scentwork, Agility, Tracking and others. He is Nationally ranked in both Dock Diving and FASTCAT. His favorite thing to do is to go as fast as he can and he does it at the expense of his body. I was referred to Ruff Day and Dr. Misener by my primary care vet due to an intermittent limp in Henry’s right front leg. Little did I know that this referral would become the partnership I had longed for. Dr. Misener fixed his limp, and multiple other injuries over the years that have been a direct result of Henry throwing all caution to the wind as he commits his entire heart to whatever activity he does. At nine years old, Henry is still competing in the sports he loves, and beating much younger dogs, because Dr. Misener helps me keep him in top shape. When my 9 year old dog can hurl himself off of the dock, jumping 27 feet or more, I know it’s due to Dr. Misener and Ruff Day. While most 9 year old large dogs become more sedentary, Henry has not. I am so thankful to have Ruff Day as part of my team looking out for Henry. I know that without them, Henry would not be able to continue to participate in all of the things that make him happy. I will be forever grateful.

What specific services or treatments did your pet receive at Ruff Day Vet?

Henry, because of his lack of self preservation skills has had the following treatments: laser, acupuncture, TENS, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Therapy), shockwave, and a customized workout/fitness routine developed for Henry and his activities

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?

I think the thing I most appreciate, is that Henry is still getting to do all of the things he so desperately loves to do. It is no small feat to keep a large 9 year old very active, throw caution to the wind, happy dog active, healthy, and safe. I love the personalized touch that tells me Dr. Misener and Adam love Henry almost as much as I do. I appreciate that Henry absolutely loves his treatment and he loves Dr. Misener and Adam so much so that he starts barking with excitement as soon as we arrive in the parking lot. I appreciate that Dr. Misener works closely with my primary care vet and other specialists he sees. I appreciate the partnership and the team approach that keeps Henry healthy.

Are there any standout moments or milestones during your time with Ruff Day Vet?

There have been so many times over the years that I thought Henry’s athletic career would be over. In fact, many of these injuries would have been career enders if it had not been for Dr. Misener and Ruff Day. For example: two years ago Henry had a substantial iliopsoas injury that probably should have ended his dock diving career. With treatment, he returned to competition in less than three months, and was ranked as the #1 flatcoat in North America. Last year, Henry injured his bicep tendon. Again, this was potentially a career ending injury. But, 3 months later he returned to competition, finishing regionals with the #2 farthest jump of all dogs. He again earned a spot at Nationals and finished in 7th place. Even after experiencing significant injuries, Henry finished 2023 as the number 1 flatcoated retriever in North America.

What advice or encouragement would you give to other pet owners considering our services?

I have referred many people to Ruff Day. Whether your dog is an athletic machine, a lovable couch potato, or has a serious medical issue, the team at Ruff Day can help your beloved furry family member. Make the appointment for the consultation, you will be happy.

Do you have any personal anecdotes or special memories involving your pet that you’d like to share?

Henry knows where we are as soon as we enter the parking lot. He gets super excited, starts barking and spinning in his crate, rocking the whole truck. He literally drags me through the parking lot, barking so loud that they hear him coming and open the door. It’s heartwarming to see Dr. Misener or Adam standing in the open doorway as Henry runs as fast as he can, barking excitedly, so very happy to see them both, and so excited for treatment.