Hobie has bone spurs on his lower back and really struggles some days to get up off the ground. He was also diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 years old. Although he's on routine medications for his epilepsy, he does receive needles for this, as well as his back, and he hasn't had a seizure since we started the acupuncture.
On his routine every-other-week visits, he starts with a massage by Ann. This really gets him relaxed and ready to take his needles.
Ann's kind and loving touch also keeps us informed as to any other problems going on, hot spots, lumps and bumps, things that we maybe wouldn't have noticed if he didn't get such specialized care.
After his massage, he's ready for his "pokin'". We never would have believed how an animal could receive acupuncture until we saw it with our own eyes.
The atmosphere in the Center is so peaceful and calm, not like the regular veterinary offices that are sterile and cold. Hobie likes it so much; he just lies down on the comfy carpet, let's the doctor put in the needles, and then usually falls asleep/snores for the ½ hour that they remain in his body. He has never shown any signs of dislike for the treatments.
When we leave the Center, he already has much more energy and a brightness in his eyes. His legs seem more stable and strong, and he gets right into action at the dog park with his friends. He's going to be 11 years old this year and yet he looks like a young dog of 8.
We truly believe the care and treatment he receives from the Animal Healing Center have made him an even happier dog than he already is.
And if you don't believe us, check out hobiesworld.typepad.com and see the great life he is living because of this! Thanks Animal Healing Center. You guys are the best!
Bob, Susan & Hobie Bowden
Brisby, my 7-year-old Weimaraner, has had intense
cervical pain for a few years. For an active dog like Brisby, a life
as a couch
potato was not an option. She would run at the beach and spend
the next few days paying for it, crying out when she even lifted
her
head. Every veterinarian I spoke with recommended aggressive actions
such as an MRI and possibly surgery. She was prescribed multiple
medications, none of which seemed to keep her comfortable in a
crisis. Each of these medications also have adverse side effects
that left me
feeling anxious about Brisby's future. Then we started seeing
Dr. Weingardt.
I have to say that at first I was skeptical,
but Brisby started her treatments and things were going very well.
She was more comfortable after exercising and, to my surprise,
actually seemed to enjoy being needled. But there was one moment
in which any doubts I ever had vanished. Brisby had gone hiking
with me that day and seemed very sore that night. She was in a
crisis, which for anyone who has seen it before, is an absolutely
heart wrenching situation. She was screaming in pain and I couldn't
do anything to help her. I gave her three separate medications
that had been prescribed to me, but they did nothing to comfort
her. Keith came over to treated her and instantly, she felt relief.
Her face relaxed, her head got heavy and the tension in her whole
body was released. At that moment, I don't know if I appreciated
Keith more for Brisby's sake or my own. I don't know how he does
it, but he truly does have a gift. I watch him treat her now and
its clear to me that he was born to do this. The way he looks
at Brisby as he gently adjusts her.....I know that they are speaking
a language I will never understand. He loves my dog and has a
connection with her like no other doctor ever has. Brisby's life
is richer thanks to Keith and words can never express my appreciation.
He truly is a healer and I don't know what either one of us would
do without him.
We love you, Dr. Weingardt!!
Sincerely,
Brisby and Stephanie
What is most incredible about Dr. Weingardt
is his bedside manner for both his patient and his patients’ owners. His thoroughness,
compassion, and obvious love for those he cares for make him an outstanding
vet and great human being. To anyone that is considering Dr. Weingardt
for veterinary care, I strongly encourage you to let your animal
make the decision…after all, they are the best judge of character
and after meeting Dr. Weingardt they will quickly realize that he
is the one for them. For us, having a Dr. who truly has our “kids” best
interest in mind has made routine visits enjoyable. He reminds us
that our “kids” depend on us and that we, no matter what
the situation, need to be strong for them even when the visit
is a difficult one.
We have had occasion for Dr. Weingardt
to treat our “kids” with
both traditional medicine and with holistic practices. We feel that
working with a Dr. who can bring an expertise of both practices to
a situation greatly increases the quality of care that our “kids” receive.
If anyone ever has any questions about
the care that Dr. Weingardt provides, I feel strongly enough
in my belief in him to say “Call
me and I will personally answer any questions you have about his
services and performance. (619)741-4890.”
Julie Crittenden and Jordan
The
Animal Healing Center literally saved my Staffordshire
terrier Billy's life! Believed to have been hit by a car as
a young dog, Billy came to us through the help of FOCAS [friends
of county animal shelter] with multiple spine and leg fractures,
and underwent immediate surgery. Bright, and highly active
after recovery, he later incurred a torn cruciate ligament
as well while running hard at play.
Fast forward 13 years: still very bright and playful, Billy
began to suffer physical problems from his early injuries with
the onset of age and severe arthritis. Although intially given
steroids and Rimadyl through traditional veterinary treatment, these
provided only initial, temporary relief; and, he soon began having
severe reactions to the prolonged and heavy use of Rimadyl as well.
When Billy became so disabled he could no longer walk and was in
constant pain,
we took him to the emergency room of a veterinary hospital. He
was seen by an orthopedic surgeon who suggested we consider acupuncture. A
friend whose South African Ridgeback was already under the wonderful
care of Dr. Keith Weingardt, spoke very highly of his Animal Healing
Center.
On our first visit to the center,
and Billy has been in love ever since! Within the first month,
he showed remarkable progress with her acupuncture treatment, and
within three months he was walking proudly with little effort or
pain.
In addition, Billy, who suffers from severe skin allergies, was
prone to chewing his paw pads raw. Animal Healing Center recommended
a Chinese herbal remedy that in conjunction with a total change in
his diet from processed to raw dehydrated food combined with solid
protein, has ended his paw and skin allergies!
We are most grateful to Animal Healing Center and the entire professional
staff at the animal healing center. With their expert care and treatment
over the last year and a half. Billy is one happy and healthy
13 year old pup!
Billy and Judith Adams
After making the decision to discontinue chemotherapy
for our dog Taffy, she began acupuncture with Dr. Keith
Weingardt. Our
original intention was to give her some quality of life, and because
we were unfamiliar with this course of treatment, we were unsure
of what to expect. To our amazement, Taffy has responded favorably
not only to the acupuncture treatment and herbs, but to the love
and heartfelt concern Dr. Weingardt has shown her. Even
at 14 years old, she insists we take her on her morning
walks, plays with toys as she did in the past (prior
to her cancer),
and has
exhibited an overall feeling of well-being. Most importantly,
because of his positive demeanor and special pampering,
Taffy thoroughly enjoys her appointment time with Dr.
Weingardt and never
has
left
him without a big smile on her face. Jyl Martins and Taffy
 My dog “Mocha” ruptured a disc and became paralyzed Christmas
2004. She had surgery immediately and although she had a 50:50 chance
with the surgery, she ended up with only a 5% chance of walking after
surgery. I was determined to help her re-establish her “normal
dog life” and took her to physical therapy and acupuncture.
Dr. Weingardt has been doing weekly acupuncture treatments for
5 months and now Mocha is walking! He never gave up on us. He
always encouraged us. His wealth of knowledge is amazing and
his love
for
animals shows in everything he does. We are very lucky to have
him!
Kristine and Barry McGinnis
From the San Diego Dachshund Newsletter: Rate your vet.
My worst day was the morning I got up and
realized my life would never be the same without my Chip. She
had been in terrible pain from her arthritis for what had
seemed to be weeks. A few days earlier she had
had her first acupuncture treatment, I knew I could not let
her suffering continue. So,
I took her into to see Keith for what I thought would be one
last time. He laughed a little at me when I got there and
told me this was so not the end and from now on he would let
me know when we are at the end. He
gave her some meds to get her pain under control and a plan
to get off the meds my regular vet had prescribe that were
adding to her anxiety issues. Very relieved, I took my
finally quiet not screaming in pain dog home. I
never believed acupuncture would work. It has been a long
year for me; we are down to going about every 4-6 weeks to see
Keith. She is
back to playing with her toys, going on vacation with us, her
daily walks, and barking and howling at me. She very rarely
takes any meds for her pain, just vitamins. Some days are better
than others, she is never going to run 5 miles with my husband
again, but she is better. She loves going to acupuncture;
it has changed her life. She is excited to go to the vet
and has helped to ease her lifelong anxiety and separation issues.
Paula Slusar and Chip
Last year my 6-year old cat, Gidgit, began
exhibiting some strange and disturbing symptoms. The skin on her back would twitch
and jump and she didn't wanted to be touched or petted when that
was happening. She was grooming excessively in a very compulsive
way and doing it almost constantly. She seemed uncomfortable
in her own skin. She was also being overly aggressive and
violently attacking me and my step-daughters randomly, for
apparently no reason.
After doing some research on the Internet
and consulting with Gidgit's vet, we concluded that she had
a condition called Feline Hyperesthesia
Syndrome. My vet told me the only treatment was regular steroid
injections. I
didn't want to do that, but I didn't know what else to do, so we
tried one. Gidgit's symptoms disappeared completely for two weeks
and then roared back even worse than before. I didn't want
my poor cat to have to have steroid injections every two weeks
for the rest of her life, so my vet recommended acupuncture treatments
with Dr. Keith Weingardt.
Dr. Weingardt is an extremely skilled
and caring veterinarian and he always makes Gidgit and I feel
like we're his only patients and
his only concern is our well-being. His treatment room is wonderfully
peaceful and makes the sessions relaxing for both animal and human. And
on top of everything else, he is a very friendly, all-around good
guy who is great at what he does!
After about six weeks of acupuncture
sessions once a week, Gidigit's symptoms were MUCH better! We were able to cut down to twice
a month and then eventually to about once every six weeks. These
periodic "tune-ups" continue to keep Gidgit's symptoms
at bay and have helped her to be a happier, healthier kitty -
much to my relief and delight (and I'm sure hers too!).
Thanks, Dr. Weingardt!!!
Shawn and Gidgit Powell
San Diego, CA.
I'm so glad that we were fortunate enough to
take our springer spaniel to Dr. Weingardt. Missy, our 10 year
old springer, had a very bad case of allergies and was on constant
medication prescribed by her veterinarian. At the time we took
her to Dr. Weingardt she had lost a lot of her hair and wasn't
feeling very well. I can't describe how after a couple of treatments
she has bounced back and her hair is starting to grow again. She
acts like a puppy again and we owe it all to Dr. Weingardt.
Thanks again. Nancy and Jim Napolitano
Marley is my 7 year old Doberweiller mix. Before Marley began
acupuncture treatment with Dr. Weingardt for bilateral hip
dysplasia and cervical pain, he relied on expensive anti-inflammatory
medications with potentially dangerous side effects. Marley has been
receiving
acupuncture for nearly two years with Dr. Weingardt and
his movement
is more fluid and pain free even more so than two years
ago when he relied on prescription medications. Due to the healing
power
of Marley’s acupuncture treatments, his quality of life
is at its best and his happiness to exercise is endless.
Thank you Dr. Weingardt for all that you have done for us.
Paula Gimla and Marley
Roxy loves to visit Dr. Weingardt. He's an outgoing, positive
guy who gives more to his patients than conventional veterinary
care. I
deeply appreciate his compassionate treatment and supportive advice
that have made me feel we are giving my dog the best care possible.
Lynn Morecraft and Roxy
After my dog, Chelsea, underwent surgery to
repair her knee joint, I was told that she would have arthritis
and eventually need medication
to keep it under control...but I did not want my dog on potentially
dangerous medication. I sought out Dr. Weingardt's services,
and we (Chelsea and I), have never looked back. Dr. Weingardt
is an extremely competent veterinary acupuncturist/chiropractor,
but more importantly, he is caring and loving, treating each animal
as if he/she were his own pet. Each time
I bring Chelsea to see him, he is genuinely concerned about her
progress and wellbeing...and she's doing great! She is a new
dog since she has been under his care - bouncing around the house
and playing with her toys again. Thank you Dr. Weingardt - you
have become an indispensable part of our lives!
Ann Yerevanian & Chelsea
We were referred to Dr. Keith Weingardt
by one of his colleagues as someone who might be able to help
our dog who was struggling with
neurological problems affecting his back legs. From our very
first visit, we could tell that this was going to be a special experience. Dr.
Weingardt not only answered all of our questions, but he also took
time to "make friends" with our dog before beginning with
the treatment. This opened the door for trust.
As a result of the treatments with Dr.
Weingardt, we were able to take our dog off the pain medications
he had been taking for discomfort. Our
dog even showed signs of improvement which was a real bonus. We
plan to continue taking our dog for maintenance treatments in
the future.
It is refreshing to meet someone like
Dr. Weingardt who is truly dedicated to what he does. Thank
you! Susie Gill and Russell
Dear Dr. Keith,
I am excited to hear that you are opening
your veterinary practice. I have watched you practice and
grow over the last 5 years and
know you bring a very unique and specialized service for the
health and
wellness of all of our animals. Your passion for caring
for your clients by utilizing procedures and techniques
that help their innate ability to repair themselves in lieu
of the
traditional invasive procedures is both refreshing and innovative.
It is obvious
you are on to something great and will impact the lives of
many animals in your practice.
I want to thank you for the great care
you provided my family for our yellow lab, Nala.Your compassion
and concern for us
and for Nala as we dealt with her very aggressive cancer was such a
blessing. We were so excited we had a Doctor who understood and supported
our decision not to put her through chemotherapy but was willing
to work with her nutritionally and put her on a program to build
up her body. We are grateful for the time we had with her and that
the program you gave her kept her strong and vibrant until
her final days. I am grateful for the way you walked
us through the process, laid out our options and comforted
us as
she passed
on from this world. I will always be indebted to you for
how you assisted my wife as Nala left this world when I was
out of
town.
Thank you for the great compassion you have for your clients.
As a Chiropractor I have had the opportunity
to refer patients to
you who were seeking non-traditional veterinary care for
their pets. I
have endorsed you strongly because I know the quality of
care your clients receive. Everyone I have sent to you has
given
you rave reviews.
They have all affirmed what a caring and compassionate Doctor
you are and have marveled at the effectiveness of the combination
of
disciplines you use with acupuncture, chiropractic, and
nutrition. They typically report great success with your
care.
We are thrilled you are opening your
practice in our neighborhood. I know the vision you embrace
and look forward to referring
regularly to your office.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Gary Bretow
12/01/05
We had our first visit today at the Animal Healing Center and I wish I had
known about them a lot sooner. After months of going to the vet and a
specialist and getting no real answers we wanted an alternative. We met Dr.
Kangas and she is awesome. She took time to get to know our dog and
listened to our concerns.
We are so pleased and look forward to our next appt.
Cathy & King Arfer
I know literally less than nothing about holistic medicine. However, I do
recognize when a caring medical practitioner embraces the concept of working
with the patient and not solely the charts. Dr. Kangas is gentle and
provided a real sense of optimism for us and our pups as she treated our
sick little man.
I am happy report that in large part due to the care and efforts of
Dr. Kangas and the staff, our little guy is happy and bouncing around--just
like he did when he was a puppy. We fear he is in love with Dr. Katie
(except when the accupuncture needles come out). Thank you, AHC, you are a
literal life saver!
Finally, a vet who listens and takes everything into account. A
lovely serene atmosphere. Thank you, Dr. Kangas, for renewing hope and
taking the time to work with our dog. I am a believer!
John
Only been here one time, so far, but I was really impressed. My doctor here
is Katie Kangas and she was terrific. They even prescribed a great set of
nutritional supplements for my young puppy along with a thorough review of
her diet.
So far, I've been very impressed!
Matthew & Nico
Animal Healing Center has taken the upmost care of our animal family members, I want to thank them for their knowledge of non invasive treatments and natural remedies/medicines. Their advice is respected. Thank you Animal Healing Center!
Andrew, Nikko, Kona, Kazumi, Moonie & Tostada
My mini doxie developed a disc disease and was paralyzed in his back legs.
Our regular vet put him on crate rest, pain meds, and steroids but told us
that since he had lost use of his hind legs that surgery was his only option
if he wanted to walk again. I knew there had to be something else I could
do for him and after a little research I found out that accupuncture can
help these dogs walk again in some cases. I found the Animal Healing Center
on Yelp and because his condition was time sensitive Beth was able to
squeeze us in within the next day. Dr. Kangas began accupuncture, taught us
about home cooked food for our "Bambino," put him on these miracle chinese
herbs, and started weening him off the pain meds and steroids. He started
on twice weekly accupuncture with Katie accompanied with massages from his
new best friend Ann and after 3 weeks started walking again! It is now 4
months later and Bino is back at almost 100% and only goes in for maintence
visits. I am so thankful for AHC and to all the staff for treating my Bino
with the same love and care they would show their own pets. This is how a
Vet should be! They have given Bino another chance to have a normal
carefree happy dog life!
Thanks again,
Beth you have been miracle workers!
Jessica |
