News Splash …Right in your own backyard, or mine…

News Splash…

Right in your own backyard, or mine…

By Animal Photographer & Dog Swimmer, Randy Handwerger

Do you have a puppy who is pathetic, scared of the water, hasn’t practiced the doggie paddle yet?

Do you have a pampered pooch who deserves a day at the dog spa?

Do you have a dog that needs to loose a little around the middle?

How about Fido does he need a fitness routine or does Rover need Rehab?

Well, now you don’t have to travel out of the Hamptons or be in NYC only to keep with your pet’s exercise or physical therapy routine. For it’s third year running the S.S. Aqua Dog is Water Walking™, exercising, rejuvenating dog-tired, arthritic, hip dysplastic etc. dogs here in the Hamptons!

S.S. Aqua Dog came about 6 years ago when my Shiloh Shepherd Dog Sylvester was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. D.M. is a disease similar to M.S. in humans. I was told my 110lb. dog was going to be paralyzed in 6 months to a year. Needless to say I was devastated and not one to just sit there and be upset. So like any true animal lover I did all I could do for my faithful companion.

I built him a spa for his physical therapy to ward off the symptoms of D.M. for as long as possible. The spa also helped to ease his discomfort when the dreaded symptoms set in. Swimming gave us a chance to build his confidence and a nice distraction and cherished bonding time for me. He eventually succumbed to his illness but the swimming exercise routine added at least 6-9 months of quality time to his life and I was grateful to have every gifted minute.

Sly & Randy Photo©Leslie Reingold

So, let me get your pet wet! Think of me as a personal trainer for your pouch. Let me swim your pup that is afraid of the water. Allow them to learn in a controlled setting, one on one, how to safely swim and get in and out of the water. Swimming helps build muscles and confidence. It gives mental stimulation for dogs tired of the same old thing. Water Walking™ gives dogs a chance to exercise and get a workout without having to bare the weight. Non weight baring is very helpful for dogs recouping or getting ready for surgery. Swimming helps keep arthritis and the discomfort of Hip Dysplasia at bay (pun intended!).

During the Dog Days of Summer, swimming offers a cool alternative to exercise and physical routine. Water Walking™ can also help dogs suffering from anxiety, the S.S. Aqua Dog gives them an outlet to let off some steam in a calm, nurturing environment.

After reading this, people might think I have gone to the dogs or I am dog- gone crazy which is probably true. Yet for the past 12 years I have been an animal photographer traveling all over the world working with all kinds of animals. My experience with animals has taught me to see them and understand their wants and needs. Having an ailing pet was a dark cloud that had a true silver lining. Sylvester bought me the S.S. Aqua Dog business and I can now give back the love he gave me by helping other lucky dogs.

Please drop me a line randy@randyproductions.com or give a call during regular business hours

631-324-3904 to set up a private, one on one, appointment for me to swim your pooch at your pool

or Sly’s spa in Springs. Until then have a tail-wagging day!