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 Baby Can Walk! I am writing to let you know of my Sealyham's progress. When I brought her to you this past winter, she hurt so badly that she wasn't able to walk without pain and disconfort. She was not able to climb up or down stairs. When I heard of your facility, I immediately called to see if you could help her. I knew she couldn't be left in such a painful state, but traditional methods weren't making any progress with her. So in conjuction with the shots she was receiving at her vet clinic, you started her on a therapy program including swimming, treadmill, therapy, massage, and little by little I was able to start her walking at home. Baby now can walk a half a mile without slowing or limping and without pain. She also does some short-distance running. I am sure she will never be without the need of physical exercise program to maintain her at this level. Since I know in advance, that winters are especially hard to achieve the right amount of exercise, I will be brininging her in for preventive care next fall. I am so thrilled that your facility is available to meet our needs, and I appreciate the high quality of care that you have given my dog. Needless to say, I am raving about your program to everyone in dogs and horses that I meet.
-- Karen Phillips & "Baby"
West Hartford, CT
 After a hip replacement and back surgery, my 8 year old Golden Retriever, Cookie, was very limited in her abilities to walk and run. Within a few weeks from the start of her hydrotherapy, the results were amazing. The puppy in her began to return. With continued therapy, the improvement in her strength and abilities has far surpassed my expectations. I am forever grateful to the talented and dedicated team at RMF for significantly enhancing Cookie's life (& mine!).
-- Holly Aheman & "Cookie"
Avon, CT
 My twelve-year-old golden retriever "Marty" suffered from hip dysplasia for many years. This painful debilitating disease gradually robbed him of the strength in his rear legs. The pain medication prescribed by his veterinarian to mask his pain was less effective now. Marty could barely walk without my assistance when I walked into River Meadow Farm. In my heart I felt this was the end of the line for us. After a few visits to River Meadow with my dog, I realized this was not the end of the line, but the beginning of a healing journey. The beginning of a therapy program, tailored for my dog that would gradually increase his muscle strength, extend his range of motion, boost his endurance, restore his confidence and improve his fitness. It was the beginning of a deeper connection with my dog than I have ever known before. I was deeply inspired by his determination and courage as he challenged his physical weakness despite his painful disability. As a witness to his progress, my eyes were opened wide to the power of rehabilitation and conditioning through hydrotherapy. The Animal Rehabilitation Center at River Meadow Farm is truly is special place; a wonderful example of what a caring animal rehabilitation facility should be. A comprehensive evaluation and thorough understanding your dog's injury is their key to designing a tailored therapeutic program for your pet. Their honest commitment to nurturing your animal is their remedy for success. The dedicated staff at River Meadow offers a caring, passionate approach to rehabilitation. Be assured, they will make a positive difference in the quality of your dog's life and will soon become his new best friends. Your dog is your true friend, your partner and your defender. He is yours faithful and true. For all of his devotion, he is worthy of the special care and attention he will receive by the staff at the Animal Rehabilitation Center at River Meadow Farm.
-- Roy Couture & "Marty"
Suffield, CT
 Have you ever wondered if your dog would ever be able to walk without pain? After our dog, Josie, had her second knee surgery, we wondered if she'd ever be able to walk or run normally again. Since coming to River Meadow Farm for physical therapy after each of her surgeries, Josie has been able to walk and run without discomfort. Josie is back to enjoying her romps through the fields and playing with our other dog. Josie's recovery can be directly attributed to the expert care given by the staff at River Meadow Farm. The staff has demonstrated considerable knowledge and dedication toward obtaining positive outcomes for the animals in their care. We send you our gratitude and Thanks!
-- Lynette Roy & "Josie"
Suffield, CT
 You worked extensively and intensely with my post back surgery 10 year old Dalmatian for about 8 days. We came from VT in the spring of 2001; surgery was in November 2000. There was no physical therapy available in VT, they just said she would miraculously heal herself by walking. Almost 6 months later it obviously wasn't working. Then we came to see you. The first day we were there, you impressed me with your intensive gait analysis, no other vet had asked to see her walk. Then she did 3 laps in the pool and I thought we were going to have to fish her out she was so exhausted. But on day 8 when we left she did 22 laps in the pool, which was after a morning walking in the local park and 6 consecutive days of working out. The combination of exercise, massage, stretching, e-stim, and ultra sound allowed her to exercise intensively, build muscle quickly without tight muscles, muscle spasms or pain. We've kept active with lots of swimming and walks (even backpacking trips on the long trail). We've had 3 great years together.
-- "Jessie" & Linda Shiffer
Essex, VT
 Just wanted to say "Hello" and end all of you some Holiday Greetings! I also wanted to thank all of you once again for the work you did with my horse. Sierra is doing so incredible! It has been about 23 weeks since he left Rivermeadow Farm and we have been doing slow, steady, consistent work under saddle every day now. He is walk, trot, canter, some lateral work, some collected work and we are back to longeing in balancing reins. It has been a very long year, blood, sweat and tears!
And you guys were such an important part of Sierra's road to recovery.
Thanks so much!
-- Stacey A. Nowak
In July 2003, Wally, my 24 year old Dutch warmblood, was diagnosed with a puncture wound to the right hind leg. After three months of post injury care, farrier checks, and a clean sonogram, Wally displayed a slight hitch at the trot. My vet, Dr. Juul Neelson, recommended Rivermeadow Farm aquatic therapy program. A safe environment whereby Wally could build up his muscle tone and stamina without undue stress on his joints (as with ground work). Through a video of Wally's daily routine, I could see a drastic change at a trot full of impulsion, no wind puffs and a return of that "cheeky butt" I love so much. Then, I broke my leg. While I'm recuperating, Wally remains in Rivermeadow's training program which includes aquatic therapy, riding, and daily turnout. I recently visited the farm and Wally looked awesome. Lisa and Carol keep me posted on Wally's life and Dr. Stewart is always only a phone call away.
-- Judy Sherer The USET wanted my horse to try out and become one of three driving horses to compete internationally. Then my dreams were shattered. Shadow, my eight year old 15.2 Morgan, tore his hind suspensory ligament while playing with his pasture mate. Do we do the conventional months of stall rest or follow Dr. Stewart's program of rehab which included swimming in his pool? Not only did he recover completely and in better shape cardiovascularly but the opportunity has come again to be selected to represent our country in Sweden this summer. I now send Shadow every spring to swim to obtain peak fitness without the concussion of miles o road work and to get a jump on our spring training. He's made a believer out of me and an Olympic swimmer out of Shadow!
-- Scott Monroe
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