Aspen’s story started on March 29, 2010 when Kathi Dvorak mentioned to her family veterinarian that her dog Aspen had been having an intermittent left rear leg issue. The vet recommended that she see a specialist to determine if there was an issue.

On April 2, 2010, Kathi and Aspen consulted with Dr. Rooney at Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists. From the x-rays and the physical exam, Dr. Rooney determined that it was probably a grade 1 tear. They were given two options: 1. Continue with regular activity and deal with it if it gets worse or, 2. Schedule a scope of the knee to determine the true degree of the tear and repair if needed.

Aspen had surgery on April 7, 2010 to repair the CCL. The surgery went very well and Dr. Rooney was confident that she would have a successful recovery and be back on the agility course. On April 14, 2010, Aspen started rehabilitation (physical therapy) with CRCG. Over the course of the next three months, Aspen continued with underwater treadmill and other strengthening exercises. In July of 2010, Aspen graduated to swimming in the recreational pool. She continued weekly assisted swim sessions and worked her way up to 20 minutes of swimming.

On August 20, 2010, Kathi and Aspen went back to Dr. Rooney. Aspen's good leg (right) had a partial tear. In her wildest dreams, Kathi never thought they would be going through this again.

On August 24, 2010, Aspen returned to Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists for surgery to repair her right knee. They started rehabilitation the next day with cold laser treatments to reduce swelling and help healing. CRCG also gave them exercises to help with range of motion. On day 16 day post-op they started underwater treadmill sessions, increased the exercise difficulty and enjoyed a massage.

Aspen continued with her weekly rehabilitation in the underwater treadmill through December and in January, 2011 she had her first endless pool swim session and continued on with weekly assisted swims in the recreational pool.

Aspen resumed agility class for the first time in over a year in March of 2011. She looked like she had never been off for a break! Aspen continued with her weekly agility training and swimming at CRCG. She ran her first agility trial (since her new knees) in Ventura, California in July of 2011. Since then, she has been competing regularly and racking up titles.

Kathi and Aspen have been through a lot in the last two years and we are very proud of them for their hard work and dedication. They are an inspiration and proof to anyone that is facing the same obstacles that they can compete/function normally again.

Aspen continues her weekly swims at CRCG to stay strong and hasn't stopped improving. To see all of her accomplishments to date go to: http://www.himmlisch.com/aspen.htm.