Choice Hydrotherapy

04/02/2026

Just participated in a CHA webinar about the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. Originally put in place in 1966 it's all being looked into at the moment.

This should mean better legislation, regulation and enforcement for a lot of animal industries, us included. A massively positive change for animals and clients.

The brilliant board at the CHA have been part of discussions on what this could look like for us all. We've now got an opportunity to put forward our thoughts on the RCVS plans so far.

I love to keep us at the top of our game so am looking forward to facing the challenges it may bring. I'm hopeful that following our association's high standards will help us to be easily adopted by the RCVS.

Thanks for all the hard work behind the scenes 🥳

31/01/2026

I spent too long drawing this for a customer so I thought you might all appreciate my artistic skill 😂

Diversion is still causing us issues. A lot of people don't know their way around the area and apparently there aren't diversion signs out. Thanks to the council for causing us so many issues and being so unhelpful in resolving them.

It's alright. My artwork will save the day. 😂 Off to text everyone again. Day 26 of morning diversion texting hour.

27/01/2026

Beautiful Poppy, my terrible photography skills and more roadworks!

Poppy is coming down this morning and I would like to apologise to her humans for my lack of directional knowledge. Texting everyone at 8 in the morning when my brain isn't yet switched on isn't helpful it seems. 😂

They've swapped ends of Hadley Park Road. We can only be reached from the Horton end now. If the signs tell you otherwise ignore them. They know nothing. The diversion remains in place so if you come to the flyover end you can follow that along Leegate Avenue and across a couple of mini islands to the useful end.

It turns out that Leegomery is all behind HPR. There isn't a Leegomery end as such. I love a map. Me getting carried away rambling about that at 8am wasn't helpful. Sorry. 😂

Also beware the mythical new raised pedestrian crossing! Quite excited to see what all the fuss has been about. 😂 B.

24/01/2026

Good morning.

Just wanted to fling out a quick update. I haven't forgotten any of my lovely new enquiries. It's been an unprecedentedly busy start to the new year.

I'm getting multiple new enquiries a day and starting to lose track of myself coming backwards. I'm just reorganising our email system to better track enquiries and referrals.

Between being in the centre treating dogs and being in the office I'm absolutely manic. 😂 I will get everyone organised and booked in, I promise.

Video of Opes enjoying post swim snacks because I absolutely love working with your dogs and will pack my diary to the rafters to fit them all in for moments like these. 😂 One very determined therapist!

24/01/2026

Handsome Cookie was in again yesterday. 😍

He's come back to hydro because he's feeling a bit achey with his arthritis. Happily his Mum reported that after last week's session he was feeling much more mobile and bouncy.

Cookie is the sweetest gentleman. He swims so calmly and happily sits in my arms for rests. Lets me annoy his feet to get more movement out of his legs. Stands in the shower and lets me shampoo and blow dry his glorious fur. We think he might be quietly enjoying his relaxing experience. 🤞🏻

Here's hoping you're having a lovely post hydro weekend again sweet boy. ❤️

23/01/2026

Raw Physio has been open for 7 years. 😱 Where has that time gone! He's achieved so much in that time. Keep up the amazing work Ryan! I'd be stumped without you! 🥳

22/01/2026

So apparently yesterday was Squirrel Appreciation Day 🐿️

Missed that one didn't we. 😂 I was busy celebrating Kahls gotcha day.

In hindsight though. We do appreciate squirrels. Kahl loves to stare at them. They're a big part of all of our woodland adventures. Trying to be more interesting than a squirrel has heavily occupied the past 8 years of my life. 😂 Thanks for the challenge squizzles!

They are cute though. We've got one in our neighborhood that steals from everyone. He's crazy. I'm quite taken by him. Kahl likes to scream at him out of the window when he runs past with his treasures. I'm clearly easily entertained. 😂

20/01/2026

Vaguely aware the internet could get sick of hearing "pick him up, bring to Mam" on repeat. 😂 Sorry. I need to be loudly proud of my child momentarily. 😂

Kahli learnt to swim when she was only wee because she's my dog. I am obsessed with water safety and we spend a lot of time near various bodies of water. It seemed sensible. She's an absolute athlete at swimming. (Just like everything else she does.)

As much as she's always been a brilliant swimmer and aces at her compliant handling. She's just never enjoyed the pool. She's one of those dogs that tolerates it.

Until now we've had no reason to make her participate in hydro. We've done bits and bobs of training over the years to make the ramp more fun, letting her wander off again as soon as she's had enough of that training. 

Recently she's started to show her age. Only occasionally. But it was time to see if a swim could help with the issues we've been seeing. 

Today she made me so proud. She actually seemed to enjoy playing her favourite game on the ramp. Treats involved of course. Can't ask them to work without pay. 

She did her swims in-between these games but by the end she was picking up her lead out of the water on the ramp to bring it back to me without trying to leave the water at all. Reaching the end of that ramp of her own free will is such a big deal. 

I'm so happy this evening. Being able to offer her hydro as she ages and have her actually enjoy it. 🥹 I was so resigned to having to inflict it on her if she needed it for her joints. Hydrotherapist with a dog who hates water. 😂

Sometimes I feel like I maybe actually do know what I'm doing here. It has only been 13 years like. 😂

Happy Tuesday all!

19/01/2026

I usually try to keep it positive but some things really can't be left unacknowledged.

Please sign and share this petition!

The events that have happened at Hatton boarding kennels, both recently and historically, are a disgrace and need to be prevented from happening again.

Many organisations have gravely failed these dogs. I won't name names but it's obvious. Our gratitude and support go to Shropshire Canine and the rescues who have once again stepped up to help. They're all absolutely amazing!

Your signatures and the power of social media could help make a difference. In a year where animal rights laws actually seem to be being reviewed, let's get this one in front of parliament! ❤️

We want the government to review and strengthen legislation and licensing requirements for dog daycare, boarding, walking, and training services. Promote responsible business practices and provide dog owners with the reassurance that anyone caring for their pet meets the highest welfare standards.

12/01/2026

How Kahl slept last night knowing the ice was melting and she could finally have a decent walk today!

That really wasn't much fun. Between disturbing everyone's rehab sessions and making all our favourite paths into icy horror shows, we're happy to see a bit of good old british rainy weather again today.

We had a few issues with slip injuries last week. The small hound is prone to these because of the speeds she prefers to move at. She'll be at the centre this week getting fixed up a bit and building back into longer walks again. Inflamed patella tendons and achey iliopsoas will enjoy some warm water. She may have also chased a squirrel into the woods and hit a shoulder off a tree trunk. 👀 Is now a good time to point out why she's so well insured? 🤔 No concept of her age this one!

If anyone had to reschedule and isn't back in the diary yet drop me a message. We're filling up fast and I've got a whole load of enquiries to get booked in. Grab your preferred slots before they're gone!

Happy Monday everyone.

09/01/2026

Morning all.

It's snowed a bit eh! At the moment we're still heading to the centre today. The snow local to us all seems to be melting quite quickly and the main roads are quite clear. The temperature is also quite warm out so no concerns about cold dogs today.

This said. Cancellations are coming in now. If you're concerned about reaching us just let us know. I know a lot of people are travelling a fair distance and some live in quite remote areas. We'll be there if you can safely get to us.

Leaving it a bit to see how much more will melt before we contact anyone directly today.

Stay safe everyone! 😊

08/01/2026

We've had an exciting email this week from the lovely people who produce 'The Dog House' for Channel 4.

I think most people know I don't watch much TV because a lot of dog shows are full of misinformation. This one however we love. The Dog House always has me crying happy tears. 🥹

When I mentioned this email to the guys they all shouted at me that I should go on it. 😅 Alas I am not in the market for another dog just yet. Maybe another season if Charlie doesn't find me another 20 dogs before then.

If anyone is in the market for a new four legger to rule their life. Look no further. ⤵️

The much-loved Channel 4 series The Dog House is returning and the team are looking to speak to people who are hoping to adopt a rescue dog and would be happy to share their reasons why. To find out more, visit https://c4thedoghousetakepart.co.uk or email thedoghouse@fivemilefilms.co.uk 

I know we sadly lose so many dogs every month. It would be absolutely epic to see some of the most brilliant humans we have worked with find their next love! Get on and apply if you think this could be for you guys! 😍