Dr. Robin Levitski-Osgood, DVM, DipACVIM (Neurology), Veterinary Specialty Hospital

"I have worked closely with Cutting Edge K9 Rehab since 1999 and have seen first hand the benefits of early initiation of swim therapy and working together as a veterinarian and physical therapy team.

Hydrotherapy is extremely valuable in speeding up the recovery time in patients that have undergone neurosurgery or are recovering from spinal strokes.

Patients referred to Physical Therapy have a strong advantage to those who do not seek this rehabilitation option. Patients regain function much more rapidly with early implementation of hydrotherapy. I have found that it increases strength, range of motion and improves coordination and function.

Dr. Joshua Jackson, DVM, Diplomate, American college of veterinary surgeons, Veterinary Specialty Hospital

"Cutting Edge K9 Rehab provides an extremely valuable service to veterinarians and our canine patients. I have seen a dramatic improvement in the recovery of challenging cases since I started to work with Trish. She is easy to communicate with in this new area of expertise and my clients are all thrilled with her work." -

Dr Holly S.Mullen, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, VCA, Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center

"Post-operative recovery, especially after orthopedic and neurosurgery, is greatly enhanced through use of Physical Therapy and swimming. Animals benefit greatly from an experienced Physical Therapist using a combination of techniques to accelerate the healing process. I enthusiastically recommend Cutting Edge K9 Rehab for many of my post-op patients." -

"I am the lucky owner of a fabulous bloodhound named Moonie. Moonie has exceeded all of our expectations as a #1 Showdog in his Breed with credits of winning Best in Breed at Westminster, Eukanuba 2006/2008, his National 2006 Specialty and Multiple Best In Shows.

At a young age, Moonie was diagnosed with a bulging back disc just as he was embarking on his show career. He was in severe pain and dropped his tail. After many diagnosis from arthritis to dysplasia, we visited a neurologist who pinpointed immediately Moonie's trouble. After surgery and a few weeks isolation and concern, we were exposed to the wonders of Trish Penick and Cutting Edge K-9 Rehab.

We were told by Moonie's surgeon that Moonie might not ever be a showdog again and that his magnificent gait might not return. We were OK with that. We just wanted him out of pain. Trish and I set a goal to rehabilitate Moonie and get him ready for his 2005 National Breed Specialty in Washington State and we had four months to do it. He swam regularly and learned to use his rear legs again with the help of Trish's dog swimming ahead of Moonie and challenging him with toys to retrieve., We delivered a Moonie more fluid in movement, with excellent muscle tone and stronger than ever before!

We attended that Nationals show in Washington. He was splendid as he moved solidly around the showring, displaying a new confidence which brought us all to tears.

He went on in the three years to follow to win almost every dog show award possible and we give so much credit for his welfare and success to our friends, Trish and Takara.

Thank you so much for giving our precious boy, Moonie, a second chance to become the 'showdog of our dreams'."

~Judy Walker and The "Moon Man"

"Thank goodness we found Trish and her water program. We were given few options when Hugo was was diagnosed with not only hip dysplasia but also degenerative myelopathy.  While we can't stop the disease we have at least slowed the progression and given him a better quality of life.  The water has made a tremendous difference in his emotional state.  He absolutely LOVES his swim sessions.  I really can't find the words to express what this has meant to Hugo and myself."

Hugo progressed to a cart for land activities; he was still able to walk when he began therapy.  Initially.Hugo showed improvement with a wider stance and the ability to stabilize himself (Before hte need for the cart). The spinal myelopathy progressed as we knew it would, but we gained some quality time for Hugo. He continued to swim for cardiovascular conditioning and to balance out his shoulder muscles until the week of his death.

All he knew is that he LOVED his swim sessions!!!!

You may have seen Hugo on the channel 8 news and The Morning Show with Rodd Luck---his story of dealing with his disease is inspiring!"

Alise Shatoff Owner of Hugo

We Remember Hugo - click here for a memorial »

Kodiak arrives in his modified "Human wheel chair"

Kodiak resting during thearpy

We modified a small wheel chair so that we could move him. He was very difficult for senior citizens such as ourselves to handle.On the 16th, we took him to his first water session with Trish, Kodiak was quite terrified of the 1st session which was a swim session. His frontlegs did not know what to do, but with various techniques Trish got them moving during our 1st visit. His hindlegs had begun to work by this time and they were strong in the water.

The improvement with each session over the next 3 weeks was amazing! We were able to use slings to ass't Kodiak in the 1st week of rehab and he began ambulating on his at the end of his 2nd week of rehab.--somewhat like a "drunken sailor" but with an air of confidence that he was once again in control.

During subsequent sessions (we started with 2x/week and followed up with 1x/week during the next 2 mos.) Trish con't to encourage Kody and ass't him as he needed... he now swims without help and we have seen a complete recovery of Kody's personality and joy in life; with his physical body recovered @ 90%. We hope to see more improvement in the near future. We cannot imagine what the past few mos. would have been like had we not learned of the rehab services available.

Thank you so much!" - Paula and Kermit Harcos, Owners of Kodiak - The Amazing All American Dog!

"I brought Max to Cutting Edge K9 Rehab when I thought he was having pain due to an old injury to his hip.  He initially showed some improvement but we discovered the main reason for his pain was a cancerous tumor on his hip.  When Max showed increased lameness (when we should have seen con't progress) Trish knew we needed to check for other problems and sent us to our vet.  As the cancer spread it became increasingly difficult for Max to walk, but swimming was the most wonderful thing I could do with him.  When he was in the water he was like a puppy again; able to chase the ball , full of energy and free of pain. The last 2 times we saw Trish, I got in the water with him.  Those days were so special to me; swimming beside him is something I will never forget.  It's amazing how much swimming can help rehabilitate an injured dog, but it is equally amazing how much comfort it was able to give to a dog who had no chance of recovery." - Max's Owner

"The Universe had a plan for Kahlua. Little did I know back in 1997, that I would become part of that plan. Just as she needed me, I needed her. For 10 years Kahlua lived life to its fullest! Running, jumping, playing, and loving with every cell in her body. She touched everyon she came into contact with.

In December, 2006 we noticed she was limping. We thought she was arthritic, or worse, had hip displaysia as she had some shepherd in her. In June of 2007, we took her in for an MRI since none of the medications were helping, and it seemed she was getting worse..

Dr. Levitski at VSH in Sorrento Valley called me the next day with Kahlua's results. Degenerative Myleopathy. There couldn't be a more devastating diagnosis for Kahlua. I was told that over the next several months I would have to watch my once vibrant and full-of-life beloved pet slowly become paralyzed. It was heart-breaking to even consider! Dr. Livitski also sent me home with one of Trish's brochures and explained how Trish's services could help..

We started swimming at Cutting Edge K9 in June of 2007 2-3 times per week. Kahlua loved it! She made new friends; socializing was very important to her, and she smiled. In the water, she was free! Free from the laws of gravity that constantly pulled her back legs down to the earth.

Trish was so understanding and compassionate in all ways. She gave us nutrition counseling, resources for a wheelchair, shoes, socks, walking-support devices, all just to help us keep her with us longer, and living as full a life that she could.

Kahlua has since left us, the disease having taken control of her life. But she left behind memories and love to all of her dog-friends, as well as Trish & Takara. Cutting Edge K9 gave us almost a full year beyond what we would have had if we did not put her in Aquatic Therapy.

I would highly recommend Trish Penick and Cutting Edge K9 to anyone who wants to see their pet-friend live a better life."

~Patti J. Moulds & Kahlua

Our dog 'Gator' underwent spinal surgery by Dr. Lipsitz at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital after becoming paralyzed in all 4 legs. 10 days after his surgery, Gator was still unable to stand or move his legs, so Dr. Lipsitz referred us to Trish for further evaluation and therapy.

After assessing Gator's needs Trish helped him through his 1st therapy session. Gator never liked the water, but responded to Trish's handling amazingly well. He moved all 4 legs in the water! It was incredible to see this happen. We took him back to the hospital and were told the next day by an elated staff that he was moving all legs on his own just a bit. After session #2 the staff informed us that he was walking with assistance and after session #3 we were able to take him home. From a hospital stretcher to home in 5 days ----it was a miracle to us as we had never heard of this type of thing happening to a dog. The support of the other dog owners at the pool was heart felt.

Even though it is a 160 mile round trip we will take Gator twice a week for as long as Trish feels necessary. According to Trish his prognosis is for a 90- 100% recovery.

We understand that water therapy works for all kinds of K9 ailments. We think it is too bad that every city doesn't have the availability of a service such as Cutting Edge K9 Rehab!!" - George and Rose Briner, Hemet CA, Owners of Gator

"My name is Mika and I am a 4 year old Yorkshire Terrier.  Due to injuries I sustained to my knee, my kneecap was not staying in place and it was very painful for me to walk.  Prior to coming to Cutting Edge K9 Rehab for therapy, I had 2 surgeries on my knee.  The veterinarian wanted to do a 3rd surgery on my leg when my mom saw the information for Trish in his office.  She asked if we could give it a try and much to our delight he said YES!  

After 6 weeks of therapy, the muscle strength and tone returned to my leg and the kneecap was not slipping out of place.  I was able to resume my walks with my mom without all the pain.  I can now walk a mile everyday and play with the neighbor dogs.  By the way, did I tell you how much I love the water?

My mom and I can't thank Trish and Dr. Jackson enough for helping me get better.  We recommend water therapy to all our friends."

"We panicked when we learned our 2 year old lab needed to undergo 2 ACL surgeries. We were told that it'd be a long (at least 4 mos) and painful recovery. Trish and her canine therapy have been a GODSEND! One of our biggest challenges was the restricted activity after the surgeries.

Casey is an EXTREMELY active dog and we were very concerned that she'd blow out her knee again---controlling her on land was pretty impossible. Trish's swim program allows a safe environment to get rid of some of that excessive ENERGY for these young dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery.

Casey was fully recovered from her 1st surgery in 3 mos. (not 4) and our vet remarked that he'd never seen a faster or stronger recovery. We are currently working on leg number 2. We had a delay in beginning rehab. (due to a number of factors) and although we are doing well; we can definitely see a marked diff. in the recovery process from the 1st surgery when we started rehab just a few weeks after the surgery." - Susi Hill, Owner of Casey

Amy is NOT a good swimmer; she splashes a lot and her hind legs don't seem to have the right idea. Trish, her PT, assists her in the water and I go to the end of the pool and call her. Amy expends a lot of energy and is quite tired after her sessions.

She is such a mimic that I asked Trish if her Lab (Takara) might swim along with...thinking Amelia might pick up on some pointers. SHE DID. After watching intently, Amelia decided that the PROPER way to start a lap was to take a BIG leap off of the underwater platform just like an enthusiastic lab does!

Trish kept hold of her and she didn't sink...but she sure isn't a floater like a lab. The Physical Therapy is making a lot of difference!! We wish we had started this months ago---Trish works with a lot of whippets and agility dogs , her program is amazing!"

I just wanted to let you know that Sassy is doing outstanding. I would say that she is probably 95% of what she was before her accident. We are so ever thankful for your therapy program. There is no doubt in my mind that we would not have Sassy today if it wasn't for you.

- Dennis & Terri Long Owners of Sassy (aka Sprinklers)

Our veterinary surgeon recommended Cutting Edge K9 Rehab. Trish got Jasper right into the pool, despite the enormous challenge encouraging our reluctant swimmer into the water. After just a few weeks, I was stunned by the huge improvement. Within two months, it was almost impossible to tell that Jasper ever had surgery in the first place. Trish's excellent care and encouragement made all the difference. Jasper is once again a happy, energetic boy making boxer mischief. I never thought it would happen - he actually looks forward to his fun time in the pool." - Gayle Falkenthal and Ted Thompson, Owners of Jasper

Then my young Dalmatian, Lilli, partially tore her ACL and had surgery. 4 weeks after her TTA procedure, the vet cleared her to swim. Lilli is deaf, so getting her attention in the water was a challenge. However, she loved the freedom and exercise swimming allowed her----she had been going stir crazy with her limited activity. She made the utmost of every single session! At the 8 week mark, Lilli's healing was at the stage the vet would have expected at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks- long before the recommended 6 mos- the surgeon cleared her for unlimited activity.

Seeing everything at the pool made me realize swimming could ALSO help my mom's Chihuahua. Teacup weighed a hefty 9.2 pounds, more than 2 pounds over her ideal---so we started her on a weight loss and conditioning program. In 12 weeks Teacup was trim and svelte and a champion swimmer!! Trish said she had never had such a small dog that could swim laps unassisted, but there was Teacup along side Molly holding her own!! Look for her 2008 with the US Olympic Swim Team!"