Now accepting new clients!

Power Paws Canine Rehabilitation brings 14 years of knowledge, training, and expertise in canine rehab to the western Massachusetts region. We offer hands-on exercises, underwater treadmill therapy, laser therapy, home exercise programs, and much more for a variety of conditions. Whether your dog has just had surgery or has a neurologic issue, is simply getting older, or needs to be in tip-top shape for his or her sport, we can help!

We help your

Best Friend

feel like a

TOP DOG!

Referring clients save 15% off one rehab session for every pup they refer!

Melinda Harris

HEY FRIEND IT'S

Meet the Owner

BS, Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP)

"One of my first dogs was a Newfoundland mix named Bosley. We rescued him when he was 9, so he was always kind of an “old man” to us. He lived to be 16.

At that time, I believed in letting him rest, and did not force him to walk or do many other activities simply because he was “old”. We had some friends over one day, and I had to carry Bosley down the stairs to get outside. The way our friends looked at us made me realize this was no quality of life for a dog.

From then on, I vowed to be as proactive as I could to not let being “old” be the reason that dog’s lives come to an end. That was the beginning of my canine rehab journey..."

Learn More

Through much training and hands-on learning, I have developed my skills in a way that is beneficial to many types of conditions in dogs. I have a soft spot for geriatrics and enjoy creating ways to make their lives as comfortable as possible. Through my work at Riverbend Animal Hospital under the tutelage of Dr. Thomson, I have widened my knowledge base of orthopedic conditions significantly, particularly cruciate disease in dogs. I currently serve as the go-to rehab practitioner for many area animal hospitals.

My clients fall into many categories. I work with post operative patients, neurologic patients, sporting/fitness conditioning, geriatrics and weight loss clients, to name a few. Each program is individually tailored to meet the goals and desired outcomes of each dog and their owner. "

"Bosley"

Krista O'Brien

BS, Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP)

I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, in 2020 and earned CVT in 2021.

I graduated from The University of Tennessee in May of 2021 to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) and I have been doing it ever since!

I live in West Springfield MA, and I have 1 dog, Penelope, who is a Yorkie. I am also the mother to 4 geckos- Nalu, Peach, Guava and Magnolia, and 2 axolotls, Mochi and Boba.

In my free time I am an avid houseplant collector, and like to spend time with my pets and family. My other interests include crocheting, reading and pilates.

I have been with Power Paws Canine Rehabilitation since August of 2024. I am very excited to be able to meet everyone and continue to grow and help more animals.

We offer a variety of programs customized to your dog’s needs integrated with a home care program. Help your dog recover from surgery, age gracefully, or be in top shape for sporting.

Canine Conditioning

Are you ready to help your dog live their best life?

Canine rehabilitation & Conditioning

Ways We Help

Canine Rehabilitation

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

-Roger Caras

Kind Words

Ellen & Sadie
Springfield, MA

"Melinda worked with my older golden, who had severe bilateral hip dysplasia, both before and after each of her FHO surgeries. While the actual surgery helped to relieve the pain, it was Melinda’s rehab program that gave Sadie back her mobility.
Melinda helped Sadie to strengthen the muscles so that she could run, play, jump, and do stairs again all with ease. Melinda was loving and gentle, yet firm with Sadie which she needed, as she would have been content to get loving and play rather than push her muscles. Melinda always took time to any of my questions or concerns and she helped me to pull through her work at home so Sadie could get the most benefit. I can highly recommend Melinda for any rehab needs your pet has."

Officer Amanda Antanya and Essie, MGM’s bomb dog

"There is nothing more comforting than seeing your dog gain strength and mobility and enjoy every second of it!! Seeing my working dog go from having a daily limp, to rarely a limp, just melts my heart! I'm so glad we started this therapy when we did. It’s like a gym for my dog, makes total sense to me!
FOUR PAWS UP !! "

Christy and McCoy

After my 11 year old golden-doodle began dragging his back feet and having difficulty walking, he was diagnosed by a neurologist with a degenerative condition called Polyneuropathy. I was told he would have about one year, and that over that time, his mobility would deteriorate. I was devastated to say the least, and tried doing anything and everything I could to help him. My local vet suggested I try laser treatments and physical therapy and that's when we met Melinda. Over the course of about a year, we had bi-weekly therapy and laser treatments with Melinda, and slowly, his walking began to improve. Melinda even taught us exercises we could do at home to help improve his strength and proprioception. Almost a year later and he had much improved strength and mobility. He was doing great, walking without assistance and no longer dragging his feet. He was also loving his sessions and time with Melinda! It would have been amazing to see how he would have continued to improve, but he ended up suffering an unrelated injury. I am just very grateful for the year that Melinda gave to us, as he was able to continue walking, hiking and doing the things he loved during his final year. I would undoubtedly recommend her services and expertise to anyone trying to help improve their pets quality of life!