So many of my client’s stories start the same way...
Their dog was in pain, not mobile, or not living his best life. She started to lose some function- stairs became harder, and he would fall and be unable to get up, or walk on three legs.
Many of these clients sought help from their regular veterinarian, but the help given was limited. Medications can help relieve pain, but can also be a band-aid to correcting the underlying issue.
For those clients who want more for their best friends, whether it be regaining mobility, alternative treatments for pain, or becoming a more fit individual,
Maybe he stopped engaging in play, or became grouchy with other dogs or people when he didn’t use to be. Or maybe their dog had surgery but doesn’t know what to do next to help her get back to 100%. It could be that their agility dog started knocking bars, or their turns became less tight.
Power Paws can help!
How Power Paws Rehab Began
I, like many of you, struggled with the everyday management of a geriatric dog.
It was heartbreaking, watching my sweet old man struggle to get up or look to me for help getting down the stairs.
I knew there had to be a better solution than all the medications he was on.
"My goal is to give your dog the best quality of life possible so you can enjoy every minute together-PAIN FREE!"
Unfortunately, I didn’t learn enough in time to help Bosley, but in his memory, I strive to help geriatric dogs live their best life with their human counterparts.
I completed the University of Tennesee’s canine rehabilitation practitioner program, and since then have been striving to find the newest and best ways to keep our furry friends as happy and healthy as they can be. Now, after 14 years of practice, I bring Power Paws to the Western Mass community and look forward to working with you and your best friend!
Through the use of several modalities, such as the underwater treadmill, balance and mobility exercises, laser therapy, and bodywork, I will help your dog be in the best shape she can be! I will give you tools to manage your pet’s condition at home and solutions to everyday problems.
My goal is to give your dog the best quality of life possible, so you can enjoy every minute together,
pain-free.
I would love to work with you and your dog!
"Bosley"
"Caring for animals isn't what i do...it's who I am"
My career and journey to help animals started back in high school when I traded a physics class for an internship at a local animal hospital. From there, I knew I had to work with animals in some way. I connected with dogs on such a deep level that couldn’t be ignored. From there, I attended Becker College’s Veterinary Science program, completing my bachelor of veterinary science in 2005. Shortly after, I enrolled in the University of Tennessee’s Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner program, receiving my certification in 2009. In 2012, I started Riverbend Animal Hospital’s first and only canine rehab program, which then lead me to create Power Paws in 2022.
I attend several continuing education courses in rehab per year. I am a member of the American Association of Rehabilitation Practitioners (AARP) and belong to the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM).
Simply put, I have the best job in the world. You know that saying, do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life? I feel so lucky to have achieved that. I love growing close with so many dog owners and sharing their stories of success, as well as helping them through times of tribulations. Many of my clients have become friends, and I love their dogs as if they were my own. I am very proud to offer my services to a broader area of people in western Massachusetts. This is my dream!
I live in Granby, MA, and have two children, Ryker and Lilliannah. I have 2 dogs, Helix and Harper, and 4 cats, Leonard, Mable, Athena, and Walter, all of who have feline leukemia (and Walt is a diabetic!). I also am owned by a bearded dragon named Bart, and 9 chickens (including Edgar the Roo!) In my free time, I enjoy CrossFit, weight lifting, mountain biking, and hiking. I can’t wait to meet you!
Get to know Melinda
Owner, Power Paws Canine Rehabilitation
Mountain Biking
I love mountain biking and hiking in my free time.
My Children & Pets
I have two children, Ryker & Lilliannah., 2 dogs, 4 cats, 9 chickens and a bearded dragon named Bart!
CrossFit & Weighlifting
I love wellness through movement. I'm a proud CrossFitter
Melinda's favorite things
Caring for Animals
Many of my clients have become friends, and I love their dogs as if they were my own.
I love to set personal goals for myself and to push myself past what I thought was possible.
I have recently taken up mountain biking and LOVE it!
I also aspire to hike all of the NH 4,000 footers- there are 48 of them- with my best bud Helix.
I am not your average cookie- colored hair, tattoos and piercings- but I’m really just a big softie for animals!
My current favorite breed is mutt, followed closely by Australian Shepherd! I’m a sucker for literally any black dog!
Sustainability and environmental conservation is very important to me. I belong to several organizations driven to make our world a better place:
Sea Shepherd
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
World Wildlife Foundation
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Plastic Free July (ways to reduce our plastic use)
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
And finally, I am a big proponent of harm reduction services. I support The Sidewalk Project, a woman driven organization in California that serves to create wellness for people living outdoors and provide harm reduction to those individuals as well. I would love to someday open a chapter in Massachusetts, as this is a problem nationwide.
Click here to learn more!
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