Reviews of Pawsitively Fit Canine Rehabilitation & Wellness (Veterinarian)

Lindsay MacDonald

Shauna was a miracle worker. Our 3 month old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy lost function in both his back legs after a bad accident. The left leg slowly came back within a couple days but the right leg was limp with what seemed to be no feeling. The Verdict, time and Physio. So we asked Shauna to see if she could come help! We ended up doing 12 full sessions with her and each one she did helpful exercises to strengthen his legs including laser therapy for swelling and pain. and by the end, he was running around the yard which we never thought we would see!. She included us in each session and gave us detailed descriptions of exercises and what we need to do as owners to help him get better. She was amazing with Frankie who was also a puppy who squirmed and nibbled the whole time. We are keeping her contact close and hope to do yearly sessions with her to keep our boy healthy and moving the best to his ability! Thanks again Shauna.

Hayley Johnston

Shauna came to work with our 11 year old shih tzu, Oreo. Oreo had been having some shoulder and neck pain, causing her to limp considerably, and at it's worst, prevented her from looking up, or jumping/climbing stairs. We had previously been able to take her for 45-50 minute walks and had to drastically cut back to 5 minutes. When Shauna arrived, she did a thorough examination of Oreo. She determined, through the hands on examination, and questions for us, exercises that would benefit her. She also used manual therapy and a cold laser which helped immediately. Over the course of a few visits, Oreo quickly began to get back to her old self again. We have been able to keep up the list of exercises that grew over the course of each visit, and Oreo is gradually getting back to longer walks. We are so thankful for the knowledge, expertise and care that Shauna has! I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who is having issues with their dog's mobility. Thanks Shauna!

Brian Felker

In January of this year our 12 year old "pup" suffered a torn ACL. At that time we were told that recovery would entail surgery and that the wait time would be approx. 3-4 months. I contacted Shauna to see if she could help us get Sputnik comfortably through the wait time. When we started working together Sput' was basically a 3 legged dog and was unable to put any weight on the injured leg. Long story short Sput's recovery has been remarkable. He is getting around on all fours with no apparent difficulty or pain Surgery may not be needed now.. Many thanks to Shauna for her genuine concern, knowledge and guidance.

Meredith Richmond

I cannot recommend Shauna highly enough. My 6 month old puppy injured her shoulder and "resting up" was not going to be enough to heal her. Shauna provided Maggie and I with calm, patient, individualized care and exercises to help her build her strength and my confidence in managing my injured bouncy puppy. Maggie is not the easiest rehab patient and really only wanted to play but Shauna taught me ways to incorporate her exuberant energy into a rehabilitation programme and today Ms. Mags is 100% again. I am so grateful for Shauna. Not only has she assisted in Maggie's recovery but she has also helped Maggie and I bond and grow closer during a time that was quite stressful. Thank you ????

Daryl Bell

Shauna of Pawsitively Fit has been regularly treating "Winston" our Old English Sheepdog since March. Winston has very bad arthritis in his hind legs. Shauna has made his life much more comfortable and given us piece of mind that we are doing everything to keep him mobile and his pain reduced. We highly recommend Pawsitively Fit.

Izzy Z

My Pet Xalem got paralyzed from a very bad fall from the stairs at my house, his prognostic was grim but I refuse to give up and contacted Shauna to help me with his rehabilitation. Xalem is a rescue exotic animal and a part of my furry family, and although badly injured, was still feisty, angry and had a tendency to bite. Shauna accepted the challenge and came to the house on several occasions, her hard work, patience and professional advices made a huge impact on Xalem's recovery. After weeks of physiotherapy, Xalem was able to recover from his injury. Today, Xalem is doing great, running and playing like nothing happen. Thank you a million times Pawsitively Fit for your precious help

Cassie Dionne

My little one has had a few health issues and when a fall left her unable to move her neck Shauna and Pawsitively Fit came to the rescue! Shauna was able to help Juno with her neck injury very quickly and we then moved on to working on some of her chronic back weakness and general fitness. Shauna gave us super simple, yet amazing exercises that were easy to do and incorporate in our daily routine that really made a huge difference for Juno in terms of her strength and mobility. We always do her exercises right after she eats twice a day and trust me, Juno won't let me forget to do them now as they have definitely found a place in her routine! I highly recommend Pawsitively Fit and we will definitely be continuing with Shauna's services even without an injury so I can help keep my furry friend as strong and mobile as possible as she ages!

Dot Parsons

I completely and totally recommend Shauna of Pawsitively Fit, Kingston for canine physiotherapy and rehab. She worked with our golden retriever before and after TPLO surgery with wonderful results. Shauna was firm but gentle while working with our Tess enabling her to reach the desired results. She loves dogs and both our dogs adore her. Shauna is a lovely, caring person and a true professional. Thank you Shauna for everything you did for Tess. Dot Parsons

LD

We engaged Shauna’ s physiotherapy services to help with our 8 month old dog’s recovery from orthopaedic knee surgery. Shauna was extremely professional and knowledgeable about dog behaviour, injury recovery and strengthening exercises. She even provided detailed written updates to our Vet. We would unhesitatingly recommend her and call upon her again if our dog needed physio treatment after surgery or injury. Thank you Shauna, you made a world of difference!

Linda Humphry

My story is about Karma she's a five year old black Rottweiler. Karma came to live with us about a year ago she'd had a tough life being rescued several years earlier from a basement with 6 pups. She had also hurt herself, pulled her ACL about 6 months before coming to the area. We took her to the vet for her regular shots and a checkup and the vet suggested that the ACL injury was bad enough that it was going to need surgery, surgery which was going to cost almost $6,000. $6,000 is not a number that fits into our budget, we didn't feel that we could afford the surgery so we looked for some alternative care. We had heard about a physiotherapist from Pawsitively Fit Canines Rehabilitation and wellness in Kingston by the name of Shauna Slabodian. We called her for a consultation and she felt that Karma's ACL was something that she could help us with and at least give Karma a quality of life that she didn't have. Shauna worked with Karma approximately 8 months over that time we watched Karma grow in strength and confidence and ability and love for Shauna. Shauna used directed strengthening exercise, physiotherapy techniques, massage, love and care to help Karma regain strength and stability in her ACL. Today, Karma runs and plays with her new brother and sister. Shauna's care, expertise and love for animals certainly came through in the physiotherapy that she provided. Wthout her unfortunately Karma would have been put down because her leg was not functioning correctly. Surgery is very invasisve and expensive and we are more than happy that Shauna from Pawsitively Fit Canine Rehabilitation and Care was able to help our girl. I have attached a group of pictures that shows Shawna doing physical therapy and exercise with Karma as well as some of Karma this spring. Karma loves the mud and water. It's amazing to watch Karma play every day with her brother and sister knowing that her ACL is strong and the muscle that attaches the ACL have been strengthened so that she can live a normal and fun puppy life thank you Shauna for your kindness your skill and your professionalism with canine Physiotherapy. Ps. Shauna has also written a book that can help owners of aging dogs live long and health lives. This Old Dog is available on Amazon.

Abigail Hellier

Shauna has been the key to making sure that my rescue dog Falco recovered as well as he did. Falco, an 8-year-old Collie/Lab, mix was hit by a car in October 2020 and sustained three separate pelvis fractures that were not repaired with surgery, has a slipped disc in his back, and ensuing arthritis. When he first came home early November, he was unable to walk without a harness and significant assistance. He improved over a few months, but hit a plateau where he was no longer improving. His muscle mass in his hind end was very poor, he tired easily, and he required anti-inflammatory medications to keep him comfortable. Shauna met Falco and immediately made him comfortable - moving at his pace and ensuring that he was never scared or anxious. From the initial assessment to ensuing treatments, I was amazed at how quickly he made progress! Shauna was incredible at explaining what she was doing so I understood what the exercises were doing, and giving us clear homework to keep him progressing between sessions. She was always quick to notice any sort of change and adjust the exercises and treatment when needed. After a few months of bi-weekly sessions, Falco seemed like a different dog. No longer requiring pain medication, with significantly improved mobility and muscle tone, he is now jumping and running around with the energy and comfort of a much younger dog! I feel much more prepared to continue his care, and know that we will continue working with Shauna to make sure this rescue dog has the best second chance at life for the rest of his days.

Nicole Loretta

Thank you Shauna Slobodian for your all your invaluable services and expertise in assessing, diagnosing and pain management for both my Lacey Mae ( 6 yr old Italian Mastiff) and Sadie (14 yr old black lab) and being always in the know for any topic relating to my dogs care and health. In regards to just Lacey Mae (Sadie's needs and services are different and reviewed separated) I was told by the vet that Lacey Mae was completely healed following her knee surgery in July last year. I had her radiographed 2x following her surgery to ensure she was entirely healed and took every precaution needed, her exercise was restricted for almost 6 months, and yet I was still concerned her gait was off so back we went a few more times to the vet over these past 6 months. I was told she was fine and it was normal to expect her gait to be off as she had a knee replacement. I noticed gradually more lameness in the front shoulder over the past few months. Finally I asked Shauna to assess her rather than another trip back to the vet and another useless radiograph/assessment. Shauna was able to determine that Lacey Mae has significant difference in her girth on the hind legs and the weakness in the leg she was operated on has also now effected her front right shoulder because of the way she has tried to shift herself and compensate for the muscle atrophy as a result of the knee injury, prolonged recovery and because she did not receive any type of physio or therapy post operative. It was never recommended to me by the vet or the surgeon who did the procedure that she should have some type of physio or rehabilitation therapy. Unfortunately, for my girl Lacey Mae, she would not be experiencing all these issues if she had been properly rehabilitated following the surgery. Similar to my old girl, Sadie, who was misdiagnosed for well over 2 years (she has laryngeal paralysis) until it became urgent, Lacey Mae had not been properly assessed or treated pre operative or post operative. Now we have a lot of work to do to help her regain her strength and prevent more joint problems and complications. Thankfully we have Shauna's expertise to get her back on track and prevent further injuries. In human medical care and health, we have a primary physician who makes assessments and referrals to other services/supports to encompass all of a patient's medical needs and care, a holistic approach (referring to only evidenced based) It is time for the veterinary field to catch up big time! That being said, there are some vet clinics like the Central Toronto Vet Clinic that are quite progressive in the field and for example would recommend services such as Canine Rehab that Shauna does. Shauna provides a wide range of services for various health/medical conditions or needs for your dog that are proven effective as they evidence/research based. Her practice is progressive and innovative and highly recommended

Jill I

My 3 year old pup Ollie had surgery for patellar subluxation in both knees and a post-surgery rehabilitation program was prescribed by his surgical specialist in Ottawa. I was delighted to learn that there was a mobile canine rehabilitation specialist in the Kingston area - and even more delighted to find out that Shauna was willing to travel north of Sydenham to treat Ollie. The sessions were not only extremely helpful in getting Ollie back on all fours, but helpful in guiding me in Ollie's recovery. Ollie treated these sessions like playtime and happily greeted Shauna on arrival. She quickly had him responding to her requests and engaging him in the tasks to increase flexibility and strengthen his muscles. As a registered Physiotherapist Shauna is a skillful teacher and communicator and I also was very reassured by her careful attention to Covid protocols. Shauna's therapy also complemented the hydrotherapy Ollie was receiving in Kingston. Ollie had a team in his corner and no-one more committed to his recovery and well-being than Shauna.Whether you have an older dog or a young pup, I whole-heartedly recommend Shauna Slobodian and Pawsitively Fit.

Tricia Cunningham

I called Shauna after a recommendation for my 9 year old German Shepherd who had suffered a Cruciate injury. I decided against surgery and implemented a conservative approach. A year after Scotias injury I called Shauna, I wished I had called her sooner. Scotia loves her and Shauna has given us the tools and confidence to improve Scotia enough that she is enjoying running in the yard playing ball. Scotia doesn't have any issues getting up off the floor anymore and jumps off the couch without any hesitation. I will continue to reach out to Shauna for continual support and recommend her to everyone.

Myrna Rosa

Shauna is an amazing Canine physical therapist. She answered all of my questions and left clear instructions for a home exercise program for Parker. Parker was so at ease with her, and her assessment was extremely thorough and helpful. Thank you so much!!

Mary-Lou Slobodian

Shauna is amazing!

Karen Merrill

Highly recommend Shauna Slobodian, the animal physiotherapist and owner. She visited our home the last few months following our dog, Jagger's knee surgery. It was great to have her come to our home rather than the worry and stress of loading him into our vehicle to take to her for treatment. Shauna is very knowledgeable and helped guide us through exercises to aid in Jagger's recovery. We are happy to report that the surgeon has given him the go ahead to resume normal activities, albeit, at a slow pace. Thank you, Shauna. Jagger wouldn't be where he is without you!

Cynthia Thompson

I found Shauna when I was driving around Kingston and stopped at a light behind her nifty car. I am happy we managed to find Shauna because for the short period Shauna was treating Freya, Freya improved and we learned techniques to help Freya at home. We could have gone to a physiotherapist in a building and did treatments this way; but we thought it better to get the tools to do treatment at home when we wanted and needed to. Shauna utilized what we had at home to help work with Freya. She even included my kids in the sessions so they could learn how to help Freya. Unfortunately, we had to stop seeing Shauna because her commute from Kingston to Alberta would have been too far. But I would recommend Shauna because in home physiotherapy is better for the pet and human - much less stress on everyone.

Darlene Hunter

Our boxer dog, Chance had been wearing a vet fitted brace for a year for a cruciate ligament tear. We were only told to gradually increase his walking. He kept having setbacks that left him in pain and limping. It made total sense to add physio from Positively Fit Canine Rehabilitation to increase the muscle around the joint to support it..the same as us humans do with physio. It takes commitment to do his exercises twice a day, but he sees it as positive play and doing tricks for treats. We are excited to see Chance's progress and strength increasing slowly with no setbacks!

Kairee Kirkwood

I highly recommend Pawsitively Fit! Shauna is very knowledgeable and personable. It's clear to me that she really knows her stuff and she always has Stella's (my dog) best interests at heart. She has provided concise instruction on Stella's at-home exercise regime, is always available to answer any questions I have, and is great at following up on our progress. Not only has she helped Stella by leaps and bounds, she's improved my own thoughts and expectations around canine mobility as well. In the future, if any of my dogs ever have any rehab needs, Shauna would be my first call!

Megan Toulouse

Pawsitively Fit is amazing! Our 3 year old shepherd mix, Hudson, was experiencing pain in his back legs. Shauna worked so well with rambunctious Hudson and created a treatment plan of exercises that we could have fun with. With laser, some hands on work and exercise, Hudson is back to his bouncy self. Shauna worked with our schedule, answered all of our questions and was a joy to have in our home working with Hudson. We are so grateful for Shauna's help and expertise. If Hudson ever gets injured again we will be calling Shauna right away!

paige tee

Can’t say enough good things about Shauna. With her guidance I successfully rehabbed my puppy who had a soft tissue injury. Shauna is professional, knowledgeable and kind. Thank you so much.

Nancy Rollins

I can’t say enough about Shauna and her dedication, involvement and professionalism. Porter had surgery for elbow dysplasia when he was just shy of a year old. We’ve just finished 4 months of weekly, then bi-weekly canine rehabilitation appointments and I am beyond thrilled with the constant improvements through her efforts. She has guided Porter and I with her extensive knowledge, and cheered us on the entire way. She provided us with great workout routines that we complete 3x a day between our appointments to help build back all the muscle he lost. With being part Bernese, he’s a bit stubborn and she has offered great tips and tricks to get him back to 100% weight bearing as he’s limped for so long now he got used to it - we need to trick his brain back out of it! We are onto monthly check in’s now as I’m not ready to give up her guidance and advice as we continue to navigate Porter’s diagnosis and get him back to all the fetch he wants to play. From seeing her interact with Porter and hearing her talk about her other clients, she is without a doubt 110% committed to seeing the best possible outcome for all the pets she works with.

Jason Swiech

Our 5 y/o Golden Retriever Charlie injured his knee to the point where he would not even put it down or attempt to use it. We tried a brace that was suggested and saw very little progress if any. After our first session with Shauna we could immediately see an improvement. We no longer needed to use the brace and have been absolutely delighted in Charlie’s progress with Shauna. Shauna is amazing with her patients, Charlie loves her visits and even gets excited to here her name. If you have a dog that’s limping or suffered an injury I highly recommend Shauna and Pawsitivley Fit before surgery or buying any medical aids. Proper physio therapy is all your dog may need! Thank you Shauna. I feel like you gave me my best friend back!!

sandy graham

When my Bernese Mountain Dog, Ginny, was recovering from surgical repair of a ruptured cruciate ligament, I followed the veterinarian's instructions for a rehab protocol. We only got so far and then failed to progress. All were in agreement that Ginny would not get back to normal until she could build up more muscle on the injured side. A friend of mine had heard that there was a physiotherapist in Kingston qualified for canine rehab that could help us out. I quickly found Pawsitively Fit on line and my veterinarian was totally on board with an assessment and program for Ginny. Physiotherapist Shauna came to our home and did a very thorough assessment which led to a comprehensive plan forward. As Ginny progressed, the specific appropriate exercises changed accordingly. There was lots of homework for us to do between Shauna's visits, and she was available via email to answer any questions that came up. Our sessions included laser therapy which I believe helped quite a bit. At the end of our time together the measurements showed that Ginny's muscle had bulked up, and it was obvious that the exercises were helping her achieve her best. We are very grateful to Pawsitively Fit for increasing Ginny's quality of life and recommend them for you and your canine companions.

Kim Cucoch

My Dog Tracer had cruciate tears in both knees. Both were repaired surgically but the second knee did not take. I had resigned myself to owning 3 legged dog at 3 yrs old. I called Shauna at Pawsitively Fit and she said she could help. My dog is back to 4 legs and has gained muscle back that he had lost. Best part is Shauna gave us the tools moving forward to keep Tracer's legs strong and healthy.