Playing the Ace

I’d driven by the place several times while taking a shortcut to work: “ACE of Paws,” it said, “Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation.” I was intrigued.

Still, it took me a couple of months to finally look them up online and, when I did, I spent more than an hour reading through their warm, inviting, entertaining and informative website.

There was Samantha, a Boxer born with a serious joint disorder who ended up suffering three injuries that required surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Throughout Samantha’s healing journey her adoptive mom, veterinarian Ana Esquivel, realized many of her current patients could likewise benefit from canine rehabilitation techniques. And so, in 2018 Dr. Esquivel became a certified canine rehabilitation specialist (no small undertaking), and she and husband, John, opened Ace of Paws.

I read on, resonating with their mission of improving the quality of life for animals, whether through strengthening muscles, improving balance and coordination, recovering from joint surgeries, easing pain or achieving a healthy weight; their belief that every animal deserves to be pain free and enjoy quality of life; and that true healing is often about more than a pill or a surgical procedure. The same is true for us.

I recognized some of their services, like e-stim and TENS, and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy or PEMF used to help heal muscles, and bones, reduce swelling, and improve circulation. I’d heard of underwater treadmills, but had never seen one in action, and I wondered what “therapeutic ultrasound” was … By the time I finished reading, all I could think was, “I’ve gotta get in there!”

I was nervous about calling, I mean, what was I going to say? “Hi, I drive by your place all the time … and your website is so interesting … and … can I come in and see what you all are doing in there?” Actually, that was pretty much what I did say, and to my delight the answer was a very friendly “Yes!”

I arrived at the lovely building on Dakota Street NE that was once a church and was, as John later told me, “The only place we could find with a room big enough for the underwater treadmill!”

In the lobby, I met two dogs who seemed really happy to be there, as did the little pup who was just leaving. Tiffany greeted me and began our tour down a hall covered with canvas prints of canine and feline patients past and present, including Samantha.

Around the first turn, was a large room filled with beanbags and rubber balls, an obstacle course and a treadmill. This is where the guided exercise program takes place, designed per-patient for things like improving muscle tone and coordination, or helping overweight patients safely lose pounds. Other rooms each held specific treatment types.

I saw one gray-muzzled old fellow make his way slowly down the hall into a room for his “spa day,” which would include time on the PEMF mat, acupuncture, a massage and ,very likely, a delicious nap.

Cats apparently favor acupuncture and laser treatments during their “spa days.” Dr. Esquivel commented that veterinary schools now include acupuncture as part of their programming, but not the other modalities she learned in her certification program. Even orthopedic vets don’t learn those.

Finally, at the end of the hall was the underwater treadmill, and I understood why they needed a big room. It is big! It’s also versatile: the ramp can be tilted up or down depending on the muscle group needing work, the water level and speed are adjustable depending on the dog’s size and condition, and rehab techs can assist outside or inside the tank as needed.

As Tiffany and I chatted softly behind her, I noticed the rehab tech monitoring the shepherd dog inside never took her eyes off him. The certification program for canine rehab techs is equally intensive. These folks are true professionals.

Ace’s patients include not only overweight animals and those with joint and spinal problems, but also a lot of geriatric patients. They enjoy giving these elders the special TLC they deserve, and grieve with the owners when they cross that Rainbow Bridge.

I asked about fees, which they said they worked hard on to reflect their special services but not overcharge.

I’m frugal, and found the fees to be completely reasonable. Do check out their website, be sure to read the awesome client testimonials and don’t hesitate to call. Veterinary referrals are accepted, but not required.

Thank you to Ace of Paws for allowing me to learn about this wonderful life-affirming practice.

(Colleen Dougherty is a writer, educator, artist and behavioral health therapist. Her 20-plus years in animal welfare include jobs and volunteer work in veterinary clinics, animal shelters and TNR organizations. She has been a speaker at the New Mexico State Humane Conference and the National LINK Conference in Albuquerque, holds degrees in art and counseling therapy, and graduate certificates in eco psychology and humane education. Her passion is building joyful and respectful relationships between animals, humans, and the Earth. She began writing Paw it Forward in March 2016.)