Dog Lover’s Heaven

     My friend Heidi’s home qualifies. Three blonde dogs romp in the yard and lounge around the house. Templeton is a small town in the central coast area of California surrounded by vineyards and golden rolling hills dotted with gigantic oaks. I almost forgot places like this existed and it still doesn’t seem quite real. Truthfully, I would love to be one of their dogs. If they were looking to adopt an adult artist I would stand in line.

     Heidi introduced me to Dr. Stephanie Szabo who owns and operates the Chiropractic Care and Swim Therapy Center for dogs. Dr. Szabo is a chiropractor trained to work on both people and animals. Her ranch is also in Templeton and I’ve spent a few afternoons photographing sessions with dogs that were being rehabilitated. It's fascinating, not just watching the dogs and people, but observing the care Dr. Szabo shows for animals. She coaxed a frightened Rottweiler into the pool and gained the trust of a tiny Dachshund that hated getting her ears wet into swimming laps like a motorboat. 

     Clearly the people who show up with their pets have an unsurpassed love for dogs. And the dogs showed concern for each other standing on the edge of the pool wiggling and whining while one of their own swam in the pool. My paintings are on display in the building that houses the pools. They are painted with the finest quality acrylics and sealed with a bullet proof UV coating. They have withstood children’s fingernails in airports, spaghetti stuck to them in restaurants and now wet dogs having a shake. I enjoy showing my paintings in places where they are most appreciated, no matter what. 

      The center also maintains a herd of sheep for training herd dogs, but most of the time the sheep are lucky enough to stand quietly in the shade. The grounds are beautiful and it's no wonder the business is doing well. It feels good to be there. 

 

     I tagged along with Heidi and her dog Gypsy a few months ago to see what swim therapy for dogs was all about. I must remember to thank her again for introducing me to people who are happy to display my paintings.

Dr. Szabo’s information follows:

Chiropractic Care and Swim Therapy Center
Stephanie K. Szabo, Doctor of Chiropractic
3494 East Hwy 41
Templeton, CA 93465
805-460-0242
805-674-2528

About the Doctor
Dr. Stephanie Szabo is a chiropractor with training in both human and animal chiropractic care. She is a 1992 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, West and has completed the chiropractic Options for Animals program through the American Veterinarian and Chiropractor Association. She also completed the advanced three year Animal Chiropractic Diplomate Program. She brings her extensive background and experience to the swim therapy program.

Conditions aided by hydrotherapy include:
Musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative joint disease
Decreased range of motion or lameness due to the prolonged misuse of a limb or compensation for an injury
Degenerative Myelopathy and other neurological diseases
Orthopedic surgeries (cranial cruciate repair, patellar luxation, TPLO, TPO, FHO, hip replacement, ODC, surgery and arthroscopy
Neurologic surgeries
Keeping performance dogs in peak condition and preventing obesity

Post-surgical benefits include:
A safe from of exercise during the first few weeks of recovery, often the only exercise allowed
Improved muscle tone and reduced atrophy
Maintaining strength and improved range of motion
Improved circulation in the compromised area
Accelerating the natural healing process and reducing the formation of excess scar tissue
Exercise with minimal discomfort
Reduced weight gain during recuperation
Releasing pent up energy and relief from boredom and confinement

Facilities include:
Two hydro swim spas
Enclosed pool building for all weather use
Mechanized ramp for safe and easy access an no chlorine used