Below are some of our special needs clients and affiliates who are willing to share their experiences with Simon Says Walk.
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Debbie Pingitore & Sammi Russell Brauer & Bay Danielle Riviera, CCRP, CMT Veronica Burke Leslie DeGraff-Grinnell |
When our beloved dogs are aging, injured or ill, our lives can change in an instant. Our fears escalate to unbearable levels and our hearts begin to break. We find ourselves in unknown territory with a desperate need for solutions and guidance. Unfortunately, much of today’s medical industry suffers from tunnel vision and an inability to teach us what we need to learn to help our dogs. Unaware of many solutions, we the caretakers are not only left with limited and sometimes harsh choices, we are also left with the task of figuring out the “how to’s” on our own. Fortunately, New York City has Joanne D’Allura. Joanne is a rare gem. She has sought healing and caretaking techniques from countless sources. She has limitless methods and solutions for the care of our loved ones. Most importantly, she helps you find the individual solutions necessary and patiently teaches you how to care for your dog. Joanne is knowledgeable, kind and empathetic. She knows how to listen, pays attention to details and is open to all possibilities. More than anything, Joanne has a true desire for you and your beautiful dog to have as much comfort and joy that is possible. In July of 2005, my beautiful 75-pound lab mix was stricken with vestibular disease. She was then diagnosed with a brain tumor. During this time, she lost her equilibrium causing muscle loss and escalating arthritis. The “doctors” gave her six months to live and predicted total lameness. It is now January of 2007 and my dog is happy, comfortable and enjoying her walks. There are many solutions to be found. Some are simple and some are complicated. Joanne has helped us through it all. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts. “I have a handicapped St. Bernard whose spine has deteriorated over time (his back legs can’t hold him up or take steps). I knew he needed some kind of cart, so he could continue to walk outside and live a fuller life. I didn’t know where to begin! I met Joanne walking Simon (in his cart), on the street, and began to question her and she told me she was a consultant for people with special needs dogs. I hired her as a consultant, and not only did she hook me up with Eddies Wheels for Pets, but she helped me in so many ways, giving me her time, patience and expertise to adjust to Bay's changing needs. I would recommend her wholeheartedly, as she is very patient, considerate, sympathetic, and has a wealth of knowledge in this area. Bay and I have been helped not only by her measuring and ordering the cart for us, but also by helping us ease into all the many lifestyle changes that go along with becoming a special needs dog and owner. She has also become a great friend and valuable member of our “team” - Thanx Joanne! “ |