A Lifeline on Four Paws: Rosie’s Story

Rosie is a therapy support dog for her lovely owner Julie. A 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rosie is integral to Julie’s life as her emotional assistance dog. Julie suffers from agoraphobia and panic attacks and gets easily stressed in difficult situations.

Julie explains, ‘Rosie is more than just a pet, she gives me the confidence and emotional security to leave my home and go to places that I might not feel able to go to on my own. She is normally a very friendly dog and usually welcomes strangers, but she is also very protective of me when my partner is not nearby. On those occasions she can tell if I am feeling frightened or vulnerable and will then bark to tell people to keep their distance.’

When working, Rosie wears a special coat and is carried in a sling which keeps her close to Julie when out and about. Her mobility and wellbeing are therefore essential — not only to her own happiness, but to Julie’s independence.

A Difficult Period

Three years ago, Rosie suffered a back injury and presented with yelping, discomfort and an unwillingness to jump and play. For a dog whose role is so central to daily life, this was a worrying time. After veterinary consultation it was suspected that Rosie was suffering from a low-grade intervertebral slipped disc in her spine.

Following a period of rest and anti-inflammatory medication, Julie sought out Lucy Goodright, a McTimoney Chiropractic professional and member of the McTimoney Animal Association.

Lucy found significant misalignment in Rosie’s mid-back over her thoracolumbar region and pelvis, which caused major imbalance through her musculoskeletal system. These were corrected using very gentle, specific McTimoney adjustments and additional soft tissue release.

After just one treatment session, Julie and her partner Richard saw a significant positive change. Rosie was walking much easier and started playing again just like her old self. Lucy also prescribed rehabilitation exercises to help support Rosie’s recovery.

Recovery and Ongoing Care

Rosie now sees Lucy each month as part of a management programme and to treat any problems that might have cropped up between sessions.
Julie explained, ‘The difference Lucy has made to Rosie has been amazing. We have our bouncy, lively, puppyish Rosie back again – good as new!’

McTimoney Chiropractic has not only helped Rosie’s recovery when she was initially injured but is now part of her preventative treatment. Rosie’s muscle tone and skeletal symmetry have improved and are maintained, therefore reducing the risk of spinal injury reoccurring.
‘Lucy is very patient with Rosie and takes the time to really notice how Rosie is moving and spot anything that isn’t right,’ comments Julie. McTimoney Chiropractic practitioners are highly trained to look for very subtle changes in spinal and skeletal alignment, often identifying issues before they become significant injuries or problems.

‘Rosie loves Lucy and loves her chiropractic sessions. To her it is just a fun day out. We would certainly recommend Lucy and McTimoney Chiropractic to any dog owner who is concerned about their pet.’

The McTimoney Approach

The McTimoney technique is a gentle, non-invasive form of chiropractic manipulation that works to balance the musculoskeletal system and optimise joint alignment, with particular focus on the spine and pelvis.

All members of the McTimoney Animal Association are fully insured and work closely with veterinary surgeons to ensure a safe, appropriate and effective treatment takes place throughout every case.

About the Practitioner

Lucy was inspired to become an Animal McTimoney Chiropractor in 2012 after seeing the gentle yet effective results of the technique on the horses she competed. Her ethos is to help animals rehabilitate and maintain musculoskeletal function to reduce the risk of injury.
For Julie and Rosie, this journey has meant renewed comfort and confidence — allowing Rosie to continue her vital support role every day.

Website: https://animalspine.com/