Testimonials

Tamballa Terrian (Maverick) Story

Always a healthy and energetic baby, Maverick’s problem appeared at around 6 months of age.

Since that time he always had good days and bad days but the good days were never that good and were always out numbered by the bad days which were often terrible. It was such an unpredictable cycle and made him a very difficult dog to show.

He was still competitive, winning his class at three Royal Shows and gaining his championship title at a very young age, but there was always something not quite right. He would appear depressed, anxious and withdrawn lacking any of the joy and spark possessed by the ‘normal’ merry beagle.

His back would appear really roachy and tight, his movement restricted and his breathing labored.

This is evident in Mav’s ‘Before photo’ which after some convincing was the absolute best we could get him to stand.

His expression in this photo is very upsetting.

He would find it difficult to relax and get comfortable in his crate, becoming increasingly tired, irritable and less co-operative so as to render him pretty much ‘over it’ by the time his class would come around.

No amount of convincing with food or cuddles would turn him around.

We took him to see a few animal specialists who felt that his problems were related to tightness in the muscles over his back and that the causes were purely postural. We were given some exercises and stretches to do but found these difficult due to his lack of co operation and level of discomfort.

We made the decision that we would no longer show him as it was just too upsetting to see him struggle.

On a recommendation from one of Maverick’s long time fans (thanks Sara!) we decided to book him in to the Animal Options Clinic to be examined by Rowan Kilmartin as a kind of last resort, not really thinking of getting him back in the show ring, we just wanted to be sure that we had done everything we could to make our boy as comfortable as possible.

Rowan’s reaction on his initial examined was one of concern at Maverick’s shoulders, neck and back.

Mav was uncomfortable and awkward on the examination table and along with labored breathing exhibited his worst possible symptoms at the best possible time!

Rowan adjusted his back and neck and spent some time on his shoulders and front legs. During the treatment Mav settled into a deep state of relaxation and contentment.

On top of his sore neck, back and shoulders Rowan explained to us that Mav’s lung capacity was restricted due to tightness through his ribs this helped to explain his tiredness, difficulty breathing and poor recovery rate in the heat.

We left the clinic relieved that someone had some confidence in improving Mav’s condition and crossing our fingers that we would see a difference in him. After arriving home Mav was kept quiet for a few days, but right away the difference was remarkable!

His once roachy back settled more every day, his hunchy shoulders relaxed and dropped back and his reach and drive on the move improved out of site. Dropping his back into a normal position also pushed forward and improved the size and shape of his chest. His once submissive low head carriage disappeared and he trotted around the yard for the first time with his nose in the air!

Maverick experienced many ‘firsts’ in the week after his initial treatment!

First time jumping (from a standstill) onto the dining table
First time jumping up and eating the cat food off the top of the tall hooded BBQ
First time jumping up and sitting on top of his kennel so as to have a better view of this world that had suddenly become much more interesting and exciting!
First time jumping up onto our raised pond to have a drink out of the waterfall section rather than the from the doggy water bowl on the ground!
Day by day our once quiet and well behaved Beagle became outrageously naughty and we couldn’t be happier!

Maverick had his second visit a week later and Rowan was happy with his improvement explaining to us that given time he would improve further. Upon hearing this we decided on a whim to enter Maverick in a couple of shows as a bit of a test to see how he would cope.

On the 2nd of November (approx 6 weeks after Mavs initial treatment) we attended the Maryborough Kennel Club Champ Show. The show commenced at 3:00pm on a very hot (35 degrees) Saturday afternoon. Maverick seemed excited and happy to be there (even a little OVER excited!)

We were delighted when Maverick showed to perfection, winning his class, the Dog Challenge and Best of Breed from a quality Beagle Entry.

We nearly had heart failure an hour later when for the first time Maverick was awarded Best Exhibit in the Hound Group (from an entry of 50 hounds) this is a truly fantastic achievement for a young dog.

Two hours later we prepared Maverick for the third time to present in the very prestigious Best in Show class.

The judge worked through the winners of all seven groups then began to run his favorites for the second time.

Jeremy and Mav were asked for one more lap of the ring and then to a huge cheer little Maverick was awarded BEST IN SHOW from an entry of 520 dogs!

The General Specials Judge Mr R. Mushet (VIC) commented to Jeremy as he handed over the award that it is not often a Beagle is selected for Best in Show, but Maverick was the best Beagle he had seen in a long time.

To say we are delighted with this result is an understatement. We always knew we had a lovely little dog and are so thankful to the team at Animal Options for their help in freeing him from his discomfort and unhappiness.

Maverick is still improving every week, who knows what the future holds for this little man!

Ruth Hannan & Jeremy Cook

Animal Options

Veterinary Clinic

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