June 26, 2004

This is Polar getting to use his legs on the underwater treadmill at Paradise Animal Hospital. The therapist can sit behind him in the water and move his legs or walk for him, but he is starting to do the motion on his own which is what we want. That is the neatest thing about this facility, the therapist can actually get in the water with the patient. Polar does about 10 minutes on the treadmill with frequent breaks in between for resting and massaging. He really enjoys it.

This is Hard Work!

Here is a photo of Polar on the Treadmill, but in between his session as he gets one of his treat breaks. I think he likes that as much as the work itself.

Getting Some Treats!

Uh, oh! Polar is kind of tentative when it's time to go for a swim. He surely isn't his usual smiling self. But, his therapist tries to let him know it will be okay, that she will be there right with him. And, just in case all else fails, he has his trusted life jacket on.

I Don't Know About This!

"What do you mean go fetch the tennis ball? You want me to swim and fetch a tennis ball at the same time? That is asking way to much!"

Must I Do Everything?

I knew Polar could do it. He looks like he is actually beginning to enjoy his swim with his therapist. Of course, he has already figured out at this point in the session that it is time to head for the safety of the underwater treadmill. There he can once again stand up and feel much more confident, so he is really excited.

Let's Get Going!

To give Polar more therapeutic work, I have now gotten an outdoor pool that is deep enough for him to engage in these same kinds of activities (photos to come soon!!). It takes two to manage him, but Polar just loves going in for his swim work. He is very relaxed in my arms, and he really swam allot. His head never went under and we would take little breaks by letting him stand on my legs. As I was kneeling in the pool, my mom stayed outside and walked around the pool calling his name. And, of course, this would motivate him to swim to her. My dad watched and was impressed with how he was moving his back legs, I even let him go on his own and he was able to maintain himself and swim by himself. He is such a good boy!

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