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Happy Dogs


Alex, a 12 year old German Shepherd

"Our playful, super friendly German Shepherd, Alex, had a wonderful and healthy 12 years as a member of our very busy family. In Spring of 2007, he begged to go on an exceptionally long walk, visiting all his favorite haunts. Afterward, for 3 days he collapsed in pain & exhaustion, barely moving, not eating and barely drinking. It looked like walking was over for him. Though he slowly came around to taking some interest in life, despite his meds and our TLC, he was clearly suffering. Our vet, Dr Rockwell of Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, recommended we contact Four Paws Acupuncture, and Jeanie Marie, L.Ac. came into Alex's life.

He loved her visits. Even more importantly, afterward he would seem happy, a bit playful, and very relaxed. He survived through many weeks with her tender loving acupuncture and massage. Late May of 2008 his time to go became apparent after a fall down the stairs. His neurological was too severe. We were so grateful to Jeanie Marie that she was be able to help Alex be more comfortable through his final days. He lived to just shy of 13 yrs."

Louise H.

Kobe (a therapy dog), a 5 year old Collie mix

"Eight months ago, my dog Kobe was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis. I could see the pain in his eyes, the limp in his walk. His movement was slow; he had a hard time going up and down the stairs. He could barely finish a mile walk. My young 5 year old Collie mix was not well. I tried traditional things that his vet suggested, but nothing seemed to help. I heard about canine acupuncture from a friend, and I had to try it! Within a short time, I could see a difference! My dog could finish a two mile walk with ease; he could run and jump and play! With the help of acupuncture and the suggestions Jeanie made about changing his diet and trying new supplements, my dog was feeling better and stronger! He still has a bad day every now and then, but those sad, pain filled eyes are gone and my happy, loving therapy dog Kobe is back!

Thank you Jeanie, we will be forever grateful!"

Isis M.

Bruschi, a 2 1/2 year old English Mastiff

"Bruschi was diagnosed with Wobblers Disease a year ago. It was recommended to us to have his neck fused to help him be more stable on his feet. We did not agree. We found a local chiropractor who also specialized in adjusting animals. We had Bruschi adjusted twice a month. It helped him for a while but when we started to notice him "wobbling" more, we increased his adjustments to once a week. We also researched acupuncture and its benefits and decided to try it along with chiropractic.

Jeanie came to the house (which is great because Bruschi doesn't fit in many vehicles) and discussed not only Bruschi's health but also his diet with us. She gave us an information packet on many holistic foods, and Chinese herbs for us to research. I, like many others, thought what I was feeding my dogs was good for him. I was wrong. We changed his food to Solid Gold "Wolf King", and he loves it. We have noticed also that his body does not have a constant odor and his ears are not as dirty. The new food has even helped his allergies.

Jeanie recommended we treat Bruschi once a week for 4-6 wks along with his adjustments. It has been a month and I am happy to say Bruschi is much better. He walks with more confidence, he rarely falls (unless his sister pushes him), his drive to play is back (Bruschi has O.C.D. for basketballs, footballs).

We know there is no cure for Wobblers, but we feel having Bruschi treated using acupuncture and chiropractic is the right thing to do. We are also trying a magnetic collar that Jeanie gave us.

Say no to spinal surgery................say yes to acupuncture and chiropractic"

Kathy and Toni

Montana, a 13 year old chocolate lab

"Montana was 7 or 8 years old when he came to live with us, his third home. He had suffered an injury in his first home that left him with a permanent limp in his front leg. He wasn't slowed down by that, though, and loved his swims, walks, and playing with his canine brother and sister. Five years later, Montana still had the desire to do all those Lab things, but unfortunately had developed arthritis in his rear end. This left him with only one good leg, and severely limited his mobility. He also had a bad reaction to pain medication, so our options for treatment were limited. We decided to try a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy, and the difference has been remarkable.

Montana also has a paralyzed larynx, a not-uncommon condition in elderly Labs. He (and we) were tormented by a hacking, choking cough. Treatment with acupuncture has virtually eliminated this, allowing all of us to rest more comfortably.

All the dogs really enjoy Jeanie's visits. I'm pretty sure that's the cookies and the love, though, and not just the treatment itself!"

Kristen B.

Dudley, a 12 year old golden retriever

"Since day one, I am very impressed with the care Jeanie provides for my Golden. She has an enormous amount of information to share, a genuine compassion for him and my concerns with his health. In just 7 visits I have seen a 360 in his walking ability and also his bladder/kidney problems have improved. Putting him on the Chinese Herbs, he has a lot more control going to the bathroom.

Having an old dog with degenerative myeopathy, his comfort level improving, has been a big relief to me. Using acupuncture on my dog gives me my own piece of mind. I highly recommend using Jeanie for your animals. Dudley loves the cookies too, he is spoiled from the second, she walks in the door."

Kelly W.

Oso, a 3 year old bernese mountain dog

"Oso, was experiencing a high sensitivity to loud noises and an increased level of overall stress and anxiety. We live near yacht clubs where canons are shot off at sunrise and sunset 6 months of the year. That noise and summer fireworks were more than she could cope with. Noises coming from construction in the area added to the cacophony of her world! Getting her to leave the house, let alone the property, was extremely difficult. Walks finally had to stop. She had a loss of appetite. She was so anxious and scared! She looked like she couldn't even hear us speaking to her because of the state she was in. Her boogie man was everywhere it seemed!

Jeanie's acupuncture sessions were amazing and immediately brought a sense of relief to Oso and over time brought such a state of calm. What was just as important as the acupuncture was Jeanie's advice on putting Bach flower essences in her water, massaging them on her head and ears, and adding them to dog treats. Jeanie's prescription worked! We learned that it was imperative to be consistent with these remedies so that they could work in tandem with the acupuncture, and that these steps were, indeed, an important contribution to the success that we were seeing! Oso is happy and energetic now, and enjoying her walks everywhere. She is relaxed and calm and can hear us now when we are talking to her. Her appetite is back and her overall appearance is bright, alert and present!

We are grateful for Jeanie, her wisdom, knowledge, professionalism and deep sense of caring that turned Oso's life around and brought back every bit of happiness this dog deserves! Paws and slurps!"

Polly K.

Jazz, a 10 year old yellow lab

"Lyme Disease, the price dog owners pay for letting their dogs be dogs. Jazz, my 10 year old Labrador Retriever, was diagnosed with very high levels of Lyme Tick titers in January 2007. She was walking like she had glass under her paws, limping badly. Her vet, Dr. Rockwell, put her on antibiotics and I thought for sure all was well. Her limping and malaise disappeared, but after a couple months her symptoms returned and she was prescribed antibiotics again, as well as Rymadyl (a NSAID) for pain and inflammation relief. During her annual checkup her blood work showed increased liver enzyme levels due to the drug. During a discussion with Dr. Rockwell he mentioned acupuncture as a treatment he recommended. My final decision to start acupuncture came this fall when Jazz's lyme titer test came back with the highest levels possible.

So after talking with the staff at Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, and their glowing recommendation of Jeanie Marie Kraft, I decided to use her acupuncture skills with antibiotics to fight this disease. My poor Jazz was on the fast slope towards death. Her energy levels were low, she struggled to get up, her back hurt so bad she would fall right to the ground when touched. After Jeanie's first visit I noticed some improvement. Jeanie also prescribed Chinese herbs and liniment that has helped. After two months of treatment I now see Jazz heading up the slope. The pain in her back is gone and she can stretch once again. She may not climb Mt. LaFayette again, but in the house she is running around and jumps right up from laying down. Jazz looks forward to her treatments and does very well the next day. I love not having to lift Jazz into my SUV to bring her for a visit. Jeanie comes to our house with her big smile and love of dogs. She is very organized and punctual. After my experience, I whole-heartedly recommend acupuncture."

Pete G.

Pandora, a 13 year old samoyed

"I found Jeanie after my dog Pandora, who is 13 years old, ate a peach pit which then lodged in her small intestine. Following emergency surgery Pandora was extremely uncomfortable and anxious and she had poor control of her bladder. Her prior difficulty climbing stairs to our second and third floor home was much worse. I despaired that Pandora who had been an active and energetic 13 year old dog who loved to run and walk in the woods would ever be the same. Searching for anything that would work, I decided to try acupuncture.

I talked to a number of acupuncturists, but Jeanie was the most compassionate and warm. Even before Jeanie saw Pandora she made some extremely helpful suggestions about diet and care. Jeanie's acupuncture treatments have been the turning point in Pandora's recovery. From the first treatment Pandora made giant leaps forward. Her anxiety was reduced, her bladder control improved and her problems climbing stairs began to diminish. Now after 5 treatments, Pandora is doing fabulously. She races up the stairs. Her legs are even stronger than before the surgery. On our trips to the woods, she is running and jumping again. Once more she is the bright-eyed energetic dog that brings so much joy to my life."

Mitzi W.

Allie, a 12 year old border collie mix

"Allie is our 'first child,' a border collie mix that we adopted 12 years ago. Three years ago, she tore the ACL in her back right leg, and had 2 surgeries to repair it. This past winter, the ACL in her other leg tore. I was heartbroken, because I didn't want to put her through another surgery. I thought that it was the only option. My vet suggested acupuncture. I was very skeptical at first, but after 2 to 3 visits, Allie was starting to move better. Allie seems to understand that a visit from Miss Jeanie results in her feeling much better, so she is so excited when she sees her.

I believe that Jeanie's treatments are improving Allie's quality of life. We thought that we were going to have to put her down this past winter, and here it is, almost fall, and she is still with us.

Thanks Jeanie, for the compassionate care that you give to Allie."

Amy S.

Zachary, a 12 year old shepherd/husky/lab mix

"I can't express how much Jeanie's gentle care has meant to Zachary and to me. 18 months ago Zachary was diagnosed with a malignant Spindle Cell tumor on his left front paw. My traditional vet recommended amputation and 12 courses of chemotherapy. Zach would have to be sedated each time. With that course of treatment his life expectancy was projected to be three years; without it, about three months. Six months earlier he had undergone back surgery for a ruptured disk leaving him with weakened rear legs. I did not feel that at age 11, amputation was an alternative for a 98 pound dog with a bad back. We embraced a holistic alternative with homeopathic meds and an organic home-made diet. Zach thrived for a year, but alas the tumor began to grow and began causing him discomfort and he became very lethargic. It was then that we decided to try acupuncture.  I was skeptical, but quickly became a convert when Zach basically relaxed and SLEPT through the first treatment. The results were dramatic. He is again a happy dog after each acupuncture treatment. He is much more energetic, moves more easily, rolls around on the grass, swims and basically enjoys life. The acupuncture won't cure the cancer, but it is certainly improving his quality of life. Jeanie's loving attention, informed advise and gentle care is a Godsend through this very difficult transition."

Stephanie E.

Bear, a 12 year old german shepherd

"Thank you so much for all you have done for Bear!!! Before you started treating him, he was very wobbly and fell frequently. I was scared to death that before long I would have no choice and be forced to 'do the humane thing.' I would do anything for my 'best friend' and it definitely paid off! After his fourth treatment I woke up the next morning to a 'miracle'!!! He was walking better than he had in several months. The effects last for a longer period of time each treatment. Even his face looks younger and more relaxed. I admit, I was skeptical at first, but I am now 100% convinced that the acupuncture has helped him. I have already begun to recommend acupuncture to people. I look forward to your visit each week, and so do all 3 dogs. (I'm sure the cookies have nothing to do with it!)"

Lauren N.

Lady, a 13 year old black lab mix

My parents took me for an ultrasound about a month ago and found out that I have untreatable cancer. I am very sick. I really wasn't feeling well and didn't want to eat anything at all. As we were walking down the street toward home, we ran into Jeanie in front of her house. My mom started to cry as she told Jeanie what they found on the ultrasound that morning. I really wasn't doing well.

Well, a little bit later Jeanie came over. She treated me for about 15 minutes and I started feeling SO much better! I ate some treats during the treatment and then decided I'd like some roast beef afterward! I felt relaxed and relieved and so did my parents! I've been eating regularly since that day and definitely look forward to Jeanie's visits. I know she can't cure my cancer, but now I know that her treatments make me feel better, so I lay quietly and let her use the laser on me. It feels wonderful and makes my arthritis and other aches feel so much better. My appetite and energy are much better now and I'm loving life again. Walks and rides are SO much fun!

My parents, my brother Koty and I are so thankful to Jeanie. She has made a huge difference in our lives and we appreciate all that she does for our family.

Lady (Owner: Lisa F.)

Thea, a 12 year old black lab mix

"It's hard to explain in words how Jeanie has made life so much nicer for my dog, Thea. Thea is just about 12 years old and has pretty severe arthritis. By coming to our home to provide acupuncture services, where my dog is comfortable and relaxed, have made these appointments 100% better for both my dog and myself. Jeanie always has a loving and kind manner toward my dog and greets Thea as if they were old friends, which makes Thea (and me) happy and relaxed. Jeanie is the only professional that my dog will take a bone from. It's shocks me every single appointment and my dog comes back to her for more! That may seem small to someone who doesn't know Thea, but to us it's makes a very big statement. The acupuncture has made a very big difference in my dog's quality of life. It enables my dog to have relief from the pain of her arthritis (and it shows, dogs can't pretend) and Jeanie also has recommended other natural remedies to help my dog be stress free and pain free. Not only that, she is always bringing Thea some type of goodie and Thea has come to really look forward to that! I can't thank Jeanie enough, I don't know what we would do without you!"

Ellen E.

Nikki, a 7 year-old schnauzer

"I sought alternatives to surgery because of the long recovery period required in a crate (12 weeks). I also consulted with a famous canine orthopedic surgeon in Boston who prescribed another anti-inflammatory that made Nikki very ill. Of course, all said surgery was necessary, but I think natural is the way to go. A home cooked diet also increases the dog's immune system. I see the difference in Nikki, with your treatments and a natural diet she 'glows' with good health and strength.

As for the greatest gift you have given my dog it was watching her traveling so comfortably, walking the slick floors of two airports without so much as a stumble or a limp.Your treatment has eased her pain and restored her quality of dog life. That has been the greatest gift to me. I just finished giving her a dinner of freshly made oats, turkey and green beans made with fresh garlic and she loved every bite. Monday, Jan. 8th is her seventh birthday."

Maria C

Louie Viutton, a 2 1/2 year old boxer

"Louie is on some heavy duty anti-fungal drugs for his allergies. I think the acupuncture is good for him. He also enjoys seeing Jeanie. And for the time she is here he, and lets face it myself, are very relaxed. He actually seems zen like when Jeanie is here."

Rachel L.

Maxine, a 9 year-old boxer

"Acupuncture has enabled her to play like a puppy again, despite her arthritis"

Lisa M

Sadie, a 15 year old black lab

"Acupuncture has seemed to have helped Sadie's overall health. She has been more calm and stable since her treatments began. Cooking for Sadie has helped to calm her and she seems satisfied. She is no longer begging when we eat our own dinner."

Barbara N

Kiki, a 15 year-old newfie mix

"After a six week treatment session, Kiki can now make it up and down stairs on her own and her mobility overall has markedly improved."

Kristine D

Mace, a 6 year-old boxer

"He is feeling fabulous....bouncing around like a nut!"

Mary B

Henry, a one-year old newfoundland
Henry is a one year-old newfie with hip dysplasia, who has responded very well to acupuncture.

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