Even Better
It's hard to get off work at 2:20, throw in the absences, get out of a high school parking lot, pick up a dog, pick up x-rays and get to an appointment by 2:30. We didn't make it, but Dr. Hines graciously saw us anyhow. She is an older woman, a little older than me with short salt and pepper hair. She is very businesslike, and very concerned about the animal. She looked at Saturday's x-rays, did a short neurological exam (which went much better than Saturday's) and checked the structure. She said the back is in really good shape, and in fact the overall dog is in pretty good shape. She opened a package of sterile needles, and swiftly, deftly, turned my little dog into a pincushion. One more package of needles. The little dog didn't even flinch. She kept expecting something to happen, but all we did was leave the little silver needles in for fifteen minutes. She even laid out flat, like we look for as relaxation on a Dog Listening consult. The needles came out as easily as they went in, and Winnie gave an overall shake, which was expected. Dr. Hines said that since we caught it early, before any serious damage set in and before the dog spent weeks in agony, that should be all she needs unless there is a decline. It will also help her little kidneys. When I choose chiropractor, which I do as seldom as possible after my first disastrous experience, I look for someone who wants to get you on your feet and functioning as fast as possible, not long, drawn-out treatments. Dr. Hines passed this test. Since the treatment, Winnie has walked more willingly, running a little, and she even went outside by herself. All on rock-steady back legs! Long live non-traditional medicine.