Client Name: Carrie and John
Patient Name: Rio
Brief History of Pet
We got Rio in November 2017 after falling in love with greyhounds we had met in the community. He is from Naples, FL, where he had a good racing career, but was ready to retire to a loving home (age 3 1/2). He took the Greyhound bus to Wisconsin, where we met him (he picked us), and has never left our sides since! Rio is the biggest lover boy and just wants to hold hands, share kisses, get treats, and sleep. Rio is now 12 years old. He is a retired racing Greyhound, running in 74 races. We had to teach him how to live in a house, including walking up/downstairs and basic obedience. He mastered his classes (even though he never figured out how to sit) and easily passed the Therapy Dog Exam. He went on to be a therapy dog in rehab linics and schools.
Why VSMR?
Rio has spinal stenosis, which makes his lower back and legs weak and painful. Our vet highly recommended VSMRHG, and we immediately loved the personal, caring approach the entire staff has taken with Rio and us.
Favorite Motivator
The special bed he has claimed as his own!
How VSMR has helped
Rio does so well with his therapy treatments (exercises, massage, aqua treadmill, acupuncture, and shockwave therapy), especially in the winter when his back is most bothersome. He can stand much straighter, quit having accidents in the house, and is overall more comfortable when we attend therapy regularly.
Additional Information
Every day with Rio is special. He especially loves his mama and little greyhound sister, Viv. He never learned how to sit or jump, so we have to lift him into any vehicle. It’s quite the sight each time! He enjoys the extra attention though. Fun fact: Greyhounds make great apartment and condo pets. They don’t need or want space to run! Most are very much retired. All you need space for is a big bed (or more!). They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals, so you have to leash them at all times unless you have a reliable fence
Non-Profit Organization
Greyhounds Only https://www.greyhoundsonly.com/donate
