Red is back at work and in full form, a lesson for me in the value of preventative care, something I never really took that seriously. Red was injured when he was stomped by the pony in a confrontation between the two, and was limping and stiff even before that.

Our doctor, Suzanne Farriello of the Cambridge Valley Veterinary Service, came to our farm to see him and examined him, and found evidence of a spinal trauma and arthritis. Plus, he is getting older. At her recommendation, we undertook a varied program of preventative care – massage, laser therapy and some anti-inflammatory medications.

I stopped the medications after a couple of week and focused on the laser and massage, which we have continued for several months. The idea that preventative care – some of it very new technology – could bring Red back to full work seemed a long shot to me, I even called Dr. Karen Thompson to ask her to start looking for a trained dog to replace Red.

In the past few weeks, Red has been somewhat transformed. I’ve slowed down his work, but he is running at full speed, his energy and stamina have returned, he is operating in full form, and I will continue this regimen of preventative care. I see it can really make a huge difference.

I think the laser treatment – every other week – has, in particular, made an enormous difference. In some circumstances, I highly recommend it, it promotes healing rapidly.

Red has some good working years ahead of him, and it looks as if we don’t need another dog right now.  We are not sending Fate away for re-training, we are accepting her just as she is. Red will also continue his therapy work. Tomorrow, about a dozen residents of the Mansion Assisted Care Facility are coming to the farm to see Red work and have lunch here.

In a sense, Red’s working life has been reborn.