a little more about me

For several years in Arlington, VA, I owned and operated a small, independent pet care service. It allowed me to establish deep and long-standing relationships with several dogs, a few of whom I still work with to this day. During a vacation in Los Angeles, CA, I visited a place called California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), and was both impressed and inspired. I thought it would be an awesome place to work.

A little over a year later, after moving to LA, I applied and was hired by CARE as a Kennel Attendant. Right away, I developed a passion for Animal Rehab, Physical Therapy, and Home Health. Over the next 3+ years, I was promoted to Therapy Assistant, then again to Physical Therapy Aide, working with dogs, cats, and even some rabbits whose ailments ranged from life-threatening injuries to chronic pain and physical limitations associated with aging.

As Physical Therapy Aide, I helped create and manage more than 100 customized treatment plans under the guidance of Veterinarians and Physical Therapists certified in Animal Rehabilitation. I also instructed and practiced with parents one-on-one to help them participate in their pets’ quality of life. Working at CARE was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career.

When I moved back to Arlington in 2020, it was clear that, not only is all pet care incredibly expensive, there is a striking lack of services tailored to senior dogs. Puppies are truly one of the world’s wonders, but our older friends deserve specialized attention too! Between my work at CARE, and having lived with two dogs who became seniors over the past several years, I gained an intimate appreciation for how their physical needs and limitations change over time.

Timely Pups is an affordable and adaptive service, now serving Asheville, NC, dedicated to helping dogs feel better in their senior years. My goal is to be a hands-on resource for improved comfort and mobility, a knowledgeable guide for parents, and a proactive supplement to the essential work Veterinarians and other medical providers do for our dogs.

core PRINCIPLES

COMFORT FIRST

The most important goal for every pup I work with is to maximize comfort. Comfy dogs tend to sleep deeper, walk better, and work harder. It is the key to sustained improvement.

Keep it light

Light exercise, light stretching, light massage. In my experience, less is more when it comes to intensity and pressure. Spending more time on the light stuff leads to less soreness and fatigue after exercise, and a comfier, more cooperative pup.

Take these breaks

I exclaim this at least once a day! Short breaks between bouts of exercise, long breaks after lively outings, and even entire rest days after a busy week are crucial for senior dogs to regain energy and minimize chronic pain.

Beat the slow-down

You should aim to get back from walks before you see a visible change in your dog’s energy. When they slow down, it is often compensation for discomfort or fatigue. A lively 15 minutes is better than a strenuous 30+!

Get some traction

Cover as much of your home as you can with surfaces that have good traction (rugs, carpet runners, exercise mats…etc). Finished wood, tile, and most laminates are slippery for paws with claws! Better traction promotes better posture, balance, and gait quality, and decreases risk of injury. Regular nail trims help too!

Decelerate decline

Reasonable. Expectations. Aging is part of life, but there is so much you can do to minimize its physical effects! A big part of my job is to help you embrace the process, set attainable goals for your pup, and make any decline that ensues as gradual as possible.

More info

  • Here are some common signs:

    • 8+ years old

    • Generally trusting of people

    • Tolerant of touch to paws, hindquarters, and undercarriage

    • Ongoing or intermittent limping

    • Stiff, wobbly, unsteady, or inconsistent gait

    • Drags or scuffs paws while walking

    • Occasional or frequent slips/falls

    • Low head-carriage

    • Bobs head while walking

    • Curved/tucked posture of the mid or low back

    • Less interested in walks/play

    • Less self-stretching

    • Noticeably exhausted after minimal activity

    • Slows down on walks after only a short distance

    • Sinking hindquarters after standing for awhile

    • Struggles ascending or descending stairs

    • Struggles to sit, lay down, or rise with ease

    • Harder to coax out of resting positions

    • Seems to have trouble getting/staying comfortable at rest

    • More sensitive to touch of the neck, back, butt, hips, or other specific areas

  • Is my dog old enough to qualify for your service?

    I do not disqualify any dog based on age alone! If you think your pup is struggling to get around or stay comfy, I’d love to hear from you. All dogs, even puppies, will benefit from customized physical training. I seek out seniors because they tend to be most underserved by the existing pet care industry, especially as it relates to exercise.

    Will you walk my dog?

    In each of my service options, I provide a short potty break as needed to make sure your dog is comfy and relaxed. I do not, however, offer a standard dog walking service.

    Will your service replace my dog walker?

    Sometimes but not always. My service refines and enhances existing routines. Dog walkers are often key elements of quality of life and I know from experience that those relationships are special and enriching. Often, I find ways to modify the intensity of daily walks, not replace them entirely.

    Are you a Vet?

    No. I do not have training in Veterinary medicine nor do I prescribe or recommend medication. I defer to Vet recommendations always.

    Are you a Physical Therapist?

    No. My training and experience is all in the field or working under the guidance of Vets and PTs. I defer to PT recommendations always.

    So wait…what are you?

    I am a Physical Trainer and Home Health Specialist for dogs with extensive experience in:

    • Gait and posture assessment

    • Pain assessment

    • Lifestyle and activity refinement

    • Low-impact strength, mobility, and flexibility training

    • Sensory awareness and coordination training

    • Gentle handling and restraint

    • Pain relief and comfort care techniques such as:

      • Soft tissue massage

      • Myofascial release

      • Trigger point release

      • Cold therapy

      • Heat therapy

    • Gentle, low-risk manual modalities such as:

      • Passive stretching

      • Passive range of motion

      • Joint oscillation (gentle)

      • Joint compression (gentle)

      • Joint traction (gentle/grade 1-2)

  • I AM NOT A DOCTOR

    I am a Physical Trainer and Home Health Specialist, not a doctor. I am fortunate to have worked and trained under the supervision and guidance of Veterinarians and Physical Therapists certified in Animal Rehabilitation in my career but it is important that my clients understand the full context of my experience, including its limits. I do not diagnose specific injuries, prescribe medication, or recommend medical procedures.

    In the event of an acute injury, post-op recovery, sudden changes in behavior, or internal health concerns, please contact your Vet. While there are circumstances in which I can be an effective supplemental resource, I should not and will not be the primary care-giver in these situations.

    I AM NOT AN ALTERNATIVE FOR DOCTORS

    I do not compete with Veterinarians, Physical Therapists, or Animal Rehabilitation Specialists, and will always refer people to them if their pet’s needs exceed my skills. I always work within the confines of medical recommendations.

    I AM NOT ANTI-MEDS OR ANTI-VAX

    Vaccines, prescription medications, and supplements are critical components of canine health. I will never steer parents away from them if recommended by their Vet.

    I AM NOT A BEHAVIORAL TRAINER

    While some elements of behavioral training apply to my work, I do not offer it as a service in itself.

    I DO NOT WORK WITH AGGRESSIVE DOGS

    As a safety precaution, I do not work with dogs who are aggressive towards or unpredictably reactive around people. My approach works best for dogs who are generally trusting of people and tolerant of touch to their paws, hindquarters, and undercarriage.