Client Name: Jen and Pat
Patient Name:Connor and Tito

Connor

“Connor was a patient for many, many years at VSMR. He first came
to us for hip dysplasia and mobility issues but continued with us for
his entire life to maintain his mobility as he aged. He was a VSMR
favorite who really, really liked string cheese! Sweet, Sweet Connor.”

Dr. Amber Ihrk

“What can I say about my boy, Connor started with us when he was
18 months old and full of spunk. His favorite things to do was eat
string cheese and scare people. He mellowed out in his old age but
still loved his cheese.”

Katie Neforos

“I feel very blessed to have been welcomed into Connor’s inner circle
in the time I knew him he was a very sweet boy who could pick up
on if you were having a hard day and gave extra love!”

Kat Holich

Brief History of Pet

Connor came to me at 9 weeks old after being given away for being too big, From the moment I met Connor I knew he was special. Connor was sweet and so very smart. He was also stubborn, always one step ahead of me, and always found ways to surprise me.

Why VSMR?

At 9 months Connor began limping and we discovered that he had hip dysplasia. At 18 months old and several doctors’ visits, we were referred to VSMR.

Favorite Motivator

Connor loved his string cheese he brought from home!

How VSMR has helped

He started a lifelong relationship with Dr. Amber and Katie. Connor and Katie especially built a very special bond over the years, that I will always be grateful for. Through therapy, medications, and several procedures, we were able to successfully manage Connor’s hips and pain. Connor never needed surgery and despite several self- inflicted injuries, lived many pain free years. Unfortunately last December, we said goodbye to Connor just shy of his 13th birthday.

Additional Information

Connor’s biggest talent was how he related to other animals. In 2017, we began fostering for Halfway Home Animal Rescue of Orland Park. Whether it was a bottle baby that needed warmth and security, energetic puppies and kittens that needed playtime and discipline, or older dogs and cats that needed a calm environment and a friend, Connor always knew what to do . Connor welcomed each foster into the pack with an open heart.

Tito

“Tito is the cutest little old man and exemplifies ‘it doesn’t have to be pretty to be functional!” I appreciate that he knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to tell you about it, but he will do just about anything for beef liver!”

Dr. Brittany Ludwig

“Tito has a personality all his own! He tolerates all of us, but his favorite person is Kat. I am just honored when he lets me work with him.”

Katie Neforos

“Tito was one of my first steady patients and it took a bit of time to win him over, but he was always calm if he had his blankie. He had a rough life before Jen and Pat, and they have shown him what love really is.”

Kat Holich

Brief History of Pet

Tito came to me at 10 years old in 2019 as a foster. He had been rescued by DEA agents from a meth house. He had been starved and abused. It took a long time for Tito to heal not only from his physical injuries and illness but also the emotional trauma from the abuse. After two years, Tito had become an important part of our pack and with no applications, we knew that he had already found his home

Why VSMR?

Unfortunately Tito had gone from skin and bones to obese in those 2 years. He was having difficulty walking due to the weight and the knee and back injuries/arthritis from the abuse he had endured. I knew then that he needed help and VSMR was the perfect place for him.

Favorite Motivator

Tito loves his liver treats, he may not be able to see them, but his nose works just fine!

How VSMR has helped

Tito would only allow handoff for his session if he was wrapped in his “blankie”. He has learned that not everyone is bad and grew to trust Kat, which helped him to be more relaxed with people. His cooperation and excitement during his sessions enabled his therapies to be helpful.

Additional Information

Tito is now 17. He is slower but still sassy, takes his daily walks around the yard, never misses a nap, and terrorizes his bigger and younger brothers and sisters. I have no doubt that he is still with us because of all the work VSMR has done with him.