Spotlight On 'Jake' Loftis
Jake and Maggie are 5-year-old Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix litter mates, who were adopted as puppies by their mom Madeline. Madeline's previous dog, Chen, had recently passed away, and she was specifically looking for affection in her new family members. She definitely got what she wanted, as both dogs love to cuddle and kiss. The dogs were named after an old comic strip, but some like to refer to them as "The Gyllenhaals," after the famous acting siblings.
Jake (aka "Circus Dog") was always the more active one, once doing a two-block lap at full speed until he was caught, and was always happiest jumping and doing tricks. Jake also loved going for walks, and was very proud of his ability to "walk nicely" in a left heel. He loves pleasing his people, although he thinks he is in charge.
Unfortunately, Jake's antics got him into trouble. He learned that he could jump a baby gate that kept the two pups in the kitchen. And, once he learned something, he was a master. In October, however, he didn't clear the fence and fell backward, slipping two discs and paralyzing his back legs. As tenacious as ever, this hardly slowed him down.
Barely able to wag his tail, the initial prognosis from Jake’s vet in Santa Maria, was that Jake did not have any deep pain, and he likely would not walk again. Not willing to give up, owner Madeline and her adult daughter, Deb took Jake to a chiropractor in Los Angeles with some promising results. Madeline and Deb felt that perhaps physical therapy would be even more helpful. In November 2009, Jake had his initial evaluation with HydroPaws’ Canine Physical Therapist, Karen Atlas and assistant Jamie Ryan.
Formerly active, strong, rugged and fearless, Jake was getting progressively bored and irritable with his inactivity. Without being able to walk or run, his endurance was decreasing. Shivering often, Jake was needy and anxious. He couldn’t urinate appropriately, making his abdomen sensitive. To make matters worse, Madeline was recuperating in a wheelchair from ankle surgery. Madeline and Jake lived in Santa Maria and her daughter, Deb lives in Los Angeles. Madeline could not give Jake the attention and care he needed at this point, so Jake initially lived at San Roque Pet Hospital in order to begin his physical therapy.
Jake was making such great progress, it would have been a real shame to stop therapy now! A former HydroPaws client of whom we are most fond, Bruna Trip, heard the story and offered to foster Jake. Bruna knew from first-hand experience how important canine physical therapy can be. Bruna’s Corgi mix, “Nick” is a HydroPaws success story. Jake was still weak in the back, and he couldn't always lift his feet completely. He required special paw covers (gardening thumbs & surgical tape brilliantly designed by Bruna) to prevent injury.
Although very fearful at first, daily one-hour therapy for a week produced a happy result – Jake wagged his tail! Karen and Jamie continued with the daily therapies and progress was apparent, but just to make sure Jake was going to be able to be as active as before, Karen measured him for wheels to replace his weak back legs. Even though Jake had been missing his family, his therapy has gone well. He was eventually able to push himself into standing from sitting if positioned correctly.
Everyone loves Jake's great spirit and that tenacious nature, which have contributed to his rehabilitation. He just won't quit. As Thanksgiving neared, Jake was able to support himself more while standing and seemed more confident.
With therapy three times a week at the beginning of December, Jake continued to show improvement. Soon foster mom, Bruna was excited to report that Jake is FAST and he and “Nick” had a great time at the park!
Time for the under water treadmill (UWTM)! Jake needed a lot of encouragement initially, but soon caught on to walking in the water and especially did well with Bruna in front of the treadmill glass. Jake was able to walk with manual cues and balance corrections. Incredible!
The “strong, rugged and fearless” boy was back! Bruna returned from a walk to find Jake had escaped from his padded pen by managing to flip his bowl and use it as a step stool to get over the 3 foot gate. He apparently scaled his way up and over the pen, tumbling to the floor. With surprisingly no adverse effects from the fall, Jake continued with doggie sit-ups and the UWTM therapy, pulling much of his weight onto his front limbs to off-load his rear limbs.
New wheels! The custom fitted doggie cart arrived, fitting Jake perfectly to allow the new wheels to lift his back legs. Practice makes perfect, and as we have seen, Jake has the determination! With Jake improving steadily with the extensive physical therapy, and the added therapy of acupuncture, it was time for Jake to leave foster mom, Bruna and return to his loving home and to Madeline.
The call. Today was the day for Jake to go home and show Mom Madeline that he could walk! The shocking call came during Jake’s HydroPaws session that Jake’s mom, Madeline had died suddenly. Our hearts and thoughts are with Jake and Deb at the loss of their dear mom, Madeline. With so much for Deb to comprehend and readjust in her life with this unexpected change in events, Bruna continued to care for Jake as if he were her own, including the HydroPaws therapies.
Walking! With much determination and daily work, Jake, Deb, Bruna, Karen and Jamie have transformed Jake to a happy walker, once again! Jake continues to improve his strength with good tolerance to exercise. Deb will be able to continue the exercises at home. With his back paws protected, Jake now walks and walks. Anyone need a doggie cart? It looks as if Jake would be happy to relinquish the wheels to a dog that needs them. He certainly doesn’t!
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