Duchess was a gentle giant who was adopted around age 4 by Sara Toogood.    At the time of her adoption, Duchess had severe skin infection affecting most of her body.    The skin infection was so extensive that there was no normal skin to place acupuncture needles in.  In the beginning her treatment was limited to herbal medications until her skin improved.  

In addition to a severe skin infection, Duchess was diagnosed with end stage orthopedic disease  and mobility restrictions due to untreated orthopedic injuries.  When she was initially adopted, I cautioned Sara that I did not think Duchess would ever be able to walk up the stairs to the second floor living area, that she would have chronic pain and mobility limitations.   This was ok in the beginning as Sara works from home and is downstairs all day.  Duchess proved me wrong.  Initially she was content to stay downstairs.  

As she bonded with Sara, she wanted to be with her all the time.  She started going up the stairs with assistance of a harness for support.  She learned to sleep in the bed and snuggle with Sara.   One afternoon I arrived for Duchess’ fourth or fifth treatment to find Sara and Duchess outside enjoying the sunshine.  When she recognized me, Duchess loped across the yard to say hello.  Other times I saw her leap in the air barking with joy, rolling in the grass, playing and living a happy, full life.  Unfortunately, Duchess left us suddenly and unexpectedly and far to young.  She taught me many valuable lesson, and brought sunshine and joy to all that met her.

Stormy was treated initially at home, then later at Lillington Veterinary Hospital, for anxiety and fear.  Her fear was most evident at the vet, where she shook so badly that it was not possible to safely collect blood and urine samples from her without sedation.  I started treating her at home, but she was so nervous she ran away and shook all the needles out.  I needed reinforcements.  For her appointments at Lillington Veterinary Hospital, I administered a very light sedation using TCVM techniques, and after ten to fifteen minutes, she was calm enough for me to work on.  After multiple treatments, including acupuncture and herbal medications, Stormy now walks into the vet hospital on her own.  She pants  and is not happy to be there, but she can tolerate treatments and sample collection without sedation.   Once her anxiety was improved, we moved on to treat osteoarthritis pain.  Stormy continues to do well!

Prince was initially treated for progessive rear end weakness and severe pain due to osteoarthritis in his hips and stifles (knees).   Prince was treated at Lillington Veterinary Hospital, but he hated coming to the vet.  This usually happy go lucky boy became a grumpy old man when he had to come to the vet.  We found he was happier if he was treated outside, so we spread a blanket under the trees behind the hospital and treated him there.  He still wasn’t happy, but things went much better.  Prince experience relief from his pain, and his weakness was improving until he became ill with cancer.  After that, we turned our attention to maintaining his quality of life by controlling pain and slowing the progression of weakness and signs of cancer (seizures).  He was happy and continued to be an engaged and loved member of his family for five months after his cancer appeared.   I still miss working with him.