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"Paws To Swim" is inspired by Davos, our Bernese
Mountain Dog - and the work continues......
How It All Began:
In 2002, my then 1
year old Bernese Mountain Dog "Davos" was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia.
Walking was very painful and left untreated his prognosis was even
worse…crippling arthritis in as little as 18 months. I sought out the
best possible treatment. Arthroscopic surgery was performed on both
elbows. The surgery went well but Davos’ post-recuperation period was
worrisome. How can I get my dog back to running and playing like a
normal young dog in the safest and shortest length of time? My Veterinary
surgeon suggested “if you can find a place where he can swim, his recovery
period would be shortened.” Swimming would prevent atrophy and delay the
onset of arthritis. The rest is history. Davos recovered well and in a
short period of time. He did not gain extra weight from being sedentary
and his muscle tone and endurance were improved. The swimming also made
our life easier because swimming released his pent up energy being
housebound due to his recovery. I could barely get his leash off before
he raced to the pool when I drove up and he slept like a baby afterwards.
Why
I Built My Own Facility:
First of all
even though Davos is no longer in pain, I noticed when he didn’t swim on
a regular basis he would become stiff in his front legs. Second, Richmond
area has no canine swimming facility. I had to drive 120 miles to swim Davos in Northern Virginia. For
my love of Davos, and for my love of all
dogs, I knew Davos and many more dogs could benefit by having a swim
center. It’s a little bit of heaven in Central Virginia for our Best
Friends! |
Paws to Swim Farm
by Janis Dibert
I found
a place to exercise
That's better than a gym
It’s a "Doggy Swimming" pool
Known as Paws to Swim.
It’s
great for doggies on the mend
And dogs who want to play
It helps our chubby canine friends
Just swim the pounds away!
A social
club and local Y
All rolled into one
A place to come and congregate
And just have lots of fun.
The paybacks are tremendous
Well worth every mile
Cause canines love to "skinny dip"
And owners love to smile
J
Dedicated
to Deb and Dave and the Rockville Four--Davos aka P Davvy,
Zeus, Itsy Bitsy and Linders
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