I adopted my dog Atticus from the pound in October 2005. He was underweight and had a pronounced limp.
Our first visit to the Vet revealed that he had bilateral Legg Perthes and required two Femoral Head Osteotemy
surgeries. (one on each hip)

During the FHO surgery, the damaged, sometimes necrotic, femoral head is removed. Scar tissue will form a "false"
joint. This procedure is successful in treating small dogs. Atticus' surgeries were performed with great success
at the Nebraska Animal Medical Center.

During recovery the dog experiences some diminishing strength and energy. After the first surgery Atticus continued
to favor his leg -- a leg that was already noticeably smaller previous to the surgery due to months of favoring
it while he was in the shelter. Every day the leg grew thinner and appeared to be losing what little muscle mass
there was at an alarming rate.

Atticus is a Chihuahua/Terrier mix. He had suffered from neglect and abuse in his first home, but I feel with a rescue
dog it is important to focus on the future, not the past. I focused on his nature, and I saw a dog that is very active,
loving and exuberant. He loves to run and play, meet other dogs, treats, be held and petted, and he enjoys long
walks around the neighborhood, in the park and at the lake. When I adopted him, I promised him that he would have a
happy and healthy life, full of these things. While he recovered from his surgery slowly, I worried that I was not
fulfilling that promise as effectively as I could.

My Veterinarian suggested that I swim him at Kenl Inn. There he could work with a licensed massage therapist,
Suzanne Border. Ms. Border set up a schedule for him -- we would come in twice a week over a two month period for
assisted swim.

Assisted swim was a valuable part of Atticus' recovery. The low impact swimming was the perfect solution to
rebuilding his muscles after his surgery. After we began swimming his recovery progressed rapidly. He began to
use his right leg for the first time, and was soon running around. I could visually see the difference in that leg.
I could see muscle developing and my little dog growing stronger and more active as he continued his swimming.

Assisted Swimming is beneficial to us in many ways. It helps us rebuild muscle tissue after surgery. Swimming also
provided Atticus with the much needed physical activity that he loves and needs to be happy and healthy. Atticus is
a very active dog but walking as the primary means of exercise after surgery was difficult and painful. I felt
reassured to work with a professional who is knowledgeable and more than happy to answer my many questions.

I also noticed a change in temperament. Part of this is because dogs NEED their exercise every day and swimming was
fulfilling that for Atticus. As a rescue dog, he was insecure and a little fearful. He seemed to gain more trust
in people and new, unfamiliar situations over the period of his physical rehabilitation.

Overall, I consider Assisted Swimming an excellent resource. We continue to use it to keep Atticus limber. After
surgery it is important to keep your dog in shape. Assisted swimming is a good option for exercise in the winter
when neither of us likes to be outside in the cold.

Sandra Williams
Lincoln, Nebraska