Hercules Update: We had a photo shoot today after Hercules’ hydrotherapy session with Lori Jobak of 4Paws Health & Wellness. The original intention was for my friend, Joe Fabian, to get some photos that could be used in an upcoming Macomb Daily ad. But, before going, I contacted Aaron Fortin, from NBS Animal Rescue, because he’s been hankering to meet the Mighty Hercules. Well, it was a shooting frenzy! Even today, people who were coming in to check out Bark A Bout were gathering around checking him out! I think that maybe Bark A Bout ought to use this photo for some of their ads. Hercules is doing so well I continue to be in awe. The work that Lori and Dr. Kern and her husband have done and the results are inspiring.~ diana
Category Archives: Hercules
Hercules Update 7/30/2012
HERCULES UPDATE from Dr. Kern: “Hercules has been doing extremely well. He is enjoying his walks and “playtime” – we mascarade his veterinary rehabilitation as play to keep him engaged and excited in the process. He is getting stronger with his swimming also and he now swims into the jets for a little more challenge. Additionally, he is really getting to be “all puppy” lately – yes, the sweetie can also be a stinker at times! He seems comfortable enough with the routine to shake it up himself now and steal slippers as toys. He also likes to rearrange his beds and use them as toys too. Just makes us love him more!”
Hercules Hydrotherapy Session
After being left for nearly 3 months with 3 breaks in each rear leg, an operation was no longer possible to help Hercules become the healthy boxer he should have been. Consultations with Michigan State University and the Animal Urgent and Critical Care Center determined that the only hope to lessen his pain and provide a somewhat ‘normal’ life was to establish a regimen of hydrotherapy sessions, laser therapy, and rehabilitation therapy.
Hercules Hydrotherapy Session
Hercules had both of his back legs purposely broken as discipline for getting into the garbage. He was taken away from his owner who was charged with cruelty and received 12 months, non-report probation. Today he is in the hands of 4 Paws 1 Heart, an organization started August 18, 2010 which funds medical treatment for abandoned, abused, and stray companion animals.
Hercules Update ~ 6/26/2012
Hercules Update: I went to visit Hercules at his hydro-therapy session on Tuesday. He is getting so tall I couldn’t believe it. He’s also starting to take chances that he shouldn’t take in climbing around on things. We have to remember he is a puppy and he forgets his limitations. Also, I think the fact that he’s hanging around with 4 cats is rubbing off on him. He will again be staying with Gina for about a week and will be getting neutered during that time. He is also going to be scheduled for some behavioral training. Hercules continues to be one happy puppy. ~ diana
More Fun with Hercules
HerculesNewBedWithToys
Hercules Hydro Therapy Update
Hercules had lots of fun in this session (6/21/12) as he retrieved a couple toys in the water. He swam with the toys in his mouth like a pro! Dr. Kern has some photos that I hope she shares as she participated in the session with us yesterday. ~ Lori Jobak, 4 Paws Health & Wellness.
Hercules the Star!
Hercules Ready for His Work Out!
Stair Training
Getting a Massage
Hercules Update: Hercules is doing very well. He is such a good boy. The cats are adjusting slowly and he is being very patient although he would really like to play with them. He is catching on nicely to the routine here and his exercises — will do anything for food! We have to watch him closely – he puts everything in his mouth (grass,sticks, cat toys!). He also likes to try to romp around with toys as expected, but we have to try to limit this a bit. Poor guy, he just wants to be a puppy, but if allowed to overdo it he will limp more later. This is a consistent feature, so we are taking everything slowly. He would rather set the pace, but he seems to pay a price for too much freedom sometimes.
His rehabilitation therapy is staggered out through the day to pace his endurance and also to burn some puppy energy along the way. He is getting massages frequently (which he really seems to like. We take short leash walks 4 to 5 times daily. He is learning basic words and commands – he is a quick study! House training is really coming along well too. He is doing some weight shifting and balance work along with some slow steps and inclines. We vary it to keep it interesting for him. He also gets some therapeutic laser and acupuncture. He goes to hydrotherapy twice weekly also. He has quite the busy schedule! He is looking forward to starting obedience classes next week.
I have finally sorted through the pile of photos and videos accumulated so far! He is quite the ham! I will attach photos and videos in multiple messages, so that they make it through.
Chris and I are truly enjoying having Hercules here and watching the new stuff he figures out each day. ~ Dr. Tari Kern
Hercules Update ~ 4 Paws Health & Wellness
Lori Jobak of 4Paws Health & Wellness provided this update on our Hercules: “I would like to provide a Hercules update: He had had his fifth 15-minute session and is doing well. He is “all puppy” and has a very short attention span but those “delicious treats” help to keep him focused and motivated. His physical canine rehab partner joined us in the water yesterday. Hercules has limited range of motion in his rear legs due to his limitations from his abuse but he is ‘swimming’ with them and his front legs are doing well in the water! Next to having my face slobbered with his kisses, it is a joy working with this beautiful boy!!”
Hercules HydroTherapy Session
Hercules with Lori Jobak, 4Paws Health & Wellness, and Gina