Inspiration came from an unlikely place for Kim Dudek, founder of Dag’s House – New Orleans’ first rehabilitation and care facility for special needs dogs. Named after Dagnabit, Dudek’s six-year-old Pit Bull Terrier, this center offers a sanctuary for animals who have undergone surgery or suffer some other physical debilitation. They attend to dogs who require 24-hour care and therapy to accelerate the healing process. However, the services provided are not considered a substitute for proper veterinary care! Regard it more as an accompaniment to the care your dog’s veterinarian has already afforded.
Following an injury to his T12, T13 and L1 vertebrae on October 3, 2006, Dag (as he is more affectionately referred to by Ms. Dudek) needed spinal surgery. He was sent home months after his operation 25 pounds lighter, void of muscle mass with the inability to walk or control bodily functions. “I cried for three days straight,’ says Dudek. She was now faced with caring for a dog who was not only physically debilitated, but also emotionally depressed. The twinkle had disappeared from his eyes and his fortitude was dwindling.
“It was exasperating and frustrating. And I couldn’t get mad at him…it wasn’t his fault. I knew he needed more.” Lucky for Dagnabit, Dudek was a business owner even prior her canine rehab facilities’ opening. She was able to rearrange her schedule to care for Dag, coming home every three hours in order to take him out. Most of us, however, are not so fortunate. “I thought…what do other people do that have injured dogs?” An overwhelming amount of the responses seemed to be ‘We put them down.’
And thus, the idea for Dag’s House was born. Unable to accept this, Dudek began her dream – the creation of a canine rehab facility for special needs dogs. “I just think that so many people don’t have the patience and the time and the energy and the money…unless they have direction. And that’s what this rehab facility is here for. To provide much needed direction.”
The term “rehabilitation” encompasses many different things. Dudek chooses to specifically use the words “special needs” because this definition can mean anything from an aggressive, starving pit bull from the Ninth Ward to a greyhound who blew out its ACL and had to have surgery.
Her staff consists of a veterinarian who is also an acupuncturist, two massage therapists, several veterinarian assistants, and kennel help. Since Dag’s House offers boarding and day care for these dogs, the facility is open 24 hours a day, with round-the-clock treatment. Furthermore, you can rest assured that your dog will be getting individual attention. Dudek chose to keep her facility small, only ever housing 17 dogs at a time, to ensure each dog personal and special treatment.
Paying for your canine’s surgery means devoting thousands and thousands of dollars for a procedure. It’s a not an easy decision to make, but this is a commitment to you and your dog – not only financially, but also emotionally. And Dag’s House is here to assist you in learning all of your options. Something as simple as acquiring the proper wheelchair for your dog can immensely improve its quality of life. And yours! “My main stand on this whole thing is that I wanted people to know there are options other than putting the dog down,” says Dudek, “Even if a dog can’t walk, their quality of life can still be pretty incredible!”
If you find yourself needing a canine rehab facility and you are not in the New Orleans area, please go to www.canineequinerehab.com for all rehab practitioners in US.
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