Tuneup

After overdoing it and getting a bit achy thanks to a combination swimming expedition/spaghetti dinner/little girl slumber party, the Red Dog visited her favorite Witch Doctor, Dr. Cheryl, along with Voodoo Priestess-in-Training, Soon-to-be-Dr. Caroline (Class of 2013) at the UT Vet School for some acupuncture and cold laser treatments.

Thanks to the relatively mild weather, we were able to entertain our friends in the back of Shiva's royal coach, so as to avoid her very own special brand of canine "white coat" hypertension.

As you see here, Shiva is relaxed and enjoying Soon-to-be-Dr. Caroline's expert ministrations.  Tune-in again soon for more updates on the Red Dog's summer.  WOOF!

Acupuncture, Cold Lasers and the Red Dog

It's hard to believe we're in July already, and the Red Dog continues to thrive. Although her post-amputation regimen is comprised of many parts, one of the most important is her regular tune-up with her veterinary acupuncturist, Dr. Cheryl Cross, DVM, CVA. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Cross combines her scientific education and training with extensive experience in Eastern and complementary medicine to provide Shiva with the best of both worlds.

Aside from providing us with nutritional and medical advice, Dr. Cheryl applies traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy to areas of specific stress for a three-legged dog. She also employs cold laser therapy, which may provide additional relief to stressed and aching muscles and joints (and Shiva seems to love it).

We've put together a short video of a couple of Dr. Cheryl's in-home sessions with the Red Dog so you can see part of what has kept her going strong for so long. There's also a special guest appearance by Olivia, one of the Red Dog's favorite cousins. Enjoy!