ASHA
Mini-Aussie
The Nebraska Humane Society rescued my 8 month old mini-Aussie, "Asha", in November 2003.
She was starving and had a dislocated right leg from being thrown from or hit by a car.
The NHS conducted a femoral head surgery. Unfortunately, Asha had already decided to
disassociate from that leg and it was unclear if she could use it or not. The NHS was
considering amputation, when we began to foster her.
We were referred to the Assisted Swim program at Kenl Inn where upon entry into the water,
she miraculously begins to swim with all four feet in perfect range of motion. Her
healing process had finally begun.
Through weekly swim sessions, she started to gain muscle back in that leg, and we watched
her gradually put weight on it while walking. She went from 0% usage of that leg, to
100% in less than 5 months!! Today, at 3 years old, Asha is running in Agility --and nobody
would believe her history.
Melissa Myers
Omaha, Nebraska
NEELAH
Australian Shepherd
I knew that Neelah was going to be an outstanding Agility competitor. She was bold, fearless and full of energy.
I was devastated when I found out, early in her career,that she had luxating patellas. Surgery was the only corrective
solution if we wanted to have a competitive future. I made the decision
to have both of her knees operated on at the same time, and recovery would be a long-- 3 month-- ordeal.
She had to be carried everywhere, because the added weight on the healing joints would cause problems. One of the
therapies for this surgery was swimming -- it helped keep her in shape while she healed
and allowed for range of motion without putting weight on her limbs.
Neelah swam at Kenl Inn twice a week and she was always excited to see Suzanne and get into the water! It was amazing
to see her endurance build and her range of motion increase with each appointment.
I believe that swimming helped her to heal properly, and it helped ease her back into agility training.
Her knees are routinely checked by a chiropractor and they are as strong as ever. I attribute her swim sessions
with her knee strength today.
Neelah is enjoying a successful agility career and is always ready to head to the water!!
Ami Sheffield
Omaha, Nebraska