Macke Institute of Canine Therapy

11/18/2025

Free Santa Pics at on 12/6!

🎅Bonafide Dog Academy – 2025 Santa Pictures! 🎅

Bring your pup and get into the holiday spirit! 🎄✨
Join us on December 6th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for FREE Santa photos with your dog! 📸🐶

📍 Bonafide Dog Academy
960 S 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68114

We can’t wait to see all the festive pups! ❤️🐾

11/12/2025

Meet Roland! 🐾
Roland is a 4.5-year-old Collie referred by Bellevue Animal Hospital for right front limb muscular discomfort. Earlier this year, his family noticed he was running slower and starting to limp after agility competitions. Despite rest and massage, Roland continued to show signs of discomfort, and his vet found pain in his right shoulder.
Roland came to physical therapy with the goal of reducing pain and getting back to doing what he loves most — agility! Help us cheer on Roland during his PT journey!💪🐕

11/12/2025

🐾 Meet Tigger 🐾
Tigger is a 6-year-old German Shepherd who was referred to PT by Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center. She first started limping back in August, and at first her care team suspected a hip injury. After a full evaluation with her vet and Sirius, it was discovered that Tigger actually had bilateral CCL tears (left greater than right).
On 4/23/25, Tigger underwent a TPLO surgery on her left knee. She has now started physical therapy with the goal of rebuilding her strength and getting back to what she loves most— going on long walks with her family! 💙🐶

11/06/2025

🐾 Exercise Spotlight: Front Leg Lifts! 🐾
Did you know this simple move can make a big difference in your dog’s strength and stability? 💪🐶
✨ Benefits of Front Leg Lifts:
✅ Improves shoulder and core strength
✅ Helps build body awareness (proprioception) — your pup learns how to better control their movements
✅ Encourages balance and coordination 🦴
✅ Strengthens postural muscles, supporting healthy joints and mobility
✅ Great for rehab and injury prevention alike!
💡How it works: While your dog stands squarely on all four paws, gently lift one front leg off the ground for a few seconds, then lower it back down. Alternate legs and repeat! (Always make sure your pup is comfortable and stable — and consult your rehab or vet team for proper guidance if your dog is recovering from an injury.)
👏 This focused exercise may look simple, but it helps your dog build strength where it counts — setting them up for smoother walks, better posture, and improved confidence! ❤️🐕

11/03/2025

🌟 Meet Maeley! 🌟
Maeley is a 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois who started experiencing mobility issues about a year ago that gradually worsened over time. Despite pain management, her limping continued to progress, so her family sought further evaluation.

In January 2025, Maeley’s primary vet performed an exam and radiographs, diagnosing a left CCL tear and recommending a consultation with Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center (SVOC). After her consult in April, the diagnosis was confirmed, and surgical repair was recommended. Maeley underwent a left TPLO on June 2, 2025, and began physical therapy in July!

Her rehab journey focuses on regaining strength, improving mobility, and preventing future injuries so she can get back to doing what she loves most—staying active and on the move! 💪🐾

11/03/2025

Meet Rain! ☔🐾
Rain is a 3-year-old Shiba Inu referred to physical therapy by Midland Store Vet for persistent motor deficits after being hit by a car on 6/19/25.
After the accident, Rain was unable to use his back legs. Thankfully, there were no fractures, though imaging revealed narrowing in the thoracic region of his spine — something his owner suspects may have been present before the accident.
Since then, Rain has made great progress and is now walking more on his own! He still experiences some knuckling and scuffing, especially on his right side, and hasn’t yet returned to jumping on furniture.
Rain’s goal in PT is to continue improving his mobility so he can get back to doing what he loves most — playing at the dog park! 🐕💨

10/31/2025

10/30/2025

Meet Remi! 🐾
Remi is a 7-year-old Norwegian Elkhound referred to physical therapy by Thone Animal Hospital following a right FHO (femoral head ostectomy) on 7/23/25.
A few years ago, Remi was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and underwent a left FHO about three years ago — from which he made a full recovery! However, this time around, recovery has been a bit tougher. After his recent surgery, Remi was hesitant to bear weight on his right leg, leading his vet to recommend physical therapy.
Remi’s goal is to regain his strength and mobility so he can get back to doing what he loves most — barn hunt! 🐶💪
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10/27/2025

🐾 Meet Navy! 🐾
Navy is a 5-year-old Golden Retriever who began experiencing mobility issues last year and underwent a left TPLO on 7/18/24. Earlier this year, his family noticed he began limping on his right hind limb in February. They suspected he may have tweaked something while playing in the backyard and brought him to his primary vet, who recommended medical management at that time. Navy’s symptoms improved after about six weeks, but by mid-March, he began showing intermittent lameness on his left hind limb again.
After several rechecks with his primary vet, including radiographs on June 9, 2025, findings revealed right stifle effusion and mild osteoarthrosis consistent with cranial cruciate disease (partial or complete tear). Fortunately, his left TPLO site showed no complications, with only mild progression of osteoarthrosis noted.
Navy has now come to physical therapy with the goal of becoming pain-free and returning to playing and running around like his happy, active self! 💛🐶

10/23/2025

🐾 Therapeutic Exercise Spotlight: Hind Limb Leg Lifts 🐾
Did you know hind limb leg lifts are a simple but powerful exercise in canine rehab? ✨ This movement helps strengthen the hip and stifle stabilizers while also engaging the core muscles.
✨ Benefits of hind limb leg lifts:
✔️ Strengthens muscles that support the hips and knees
✔️ Improves balance and body awareness (proprioception)
✔️ Builds core stability, which protects the spine and joints
✔️ Enhances mobility and coordination for smoother movement
✔️ Supports recovery after injury or surgery and helps manage arthritis
By adding this exercise into a therapy program, dogs can move with greater confidence, reduce risk of re-injury, and enjoy a better quality of life. 💪🐶

10/21/2025

🌸 Meet Cocoa 🌸
Cocoa is a sweet 12-year-old mixed breed who was referred to physical therapy by Premier Pet Hospital. Back in May, Cocoa suddenly began having trouble with her back legs—one day she was walking fine, and the next she was struggling. By late June, things became more concerning when both of her back legs stopped working, though thankfully she regained movement by the next morning. After an evaluation with her Vet she is suspected to have IVDD.
Cocoa’s goal with PT is to rebuild as much mobility as possible so she can continue enjoying life and improve her overall quality of life. 💕🐾

10/20/2025

💜 Meet Annie! 💜
Annie is a sweet 8-year-old mixed breed who was referred to canine PT by Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center after showing lameness in both hind legs, with her left side being more affected. She has had intermittent episodes of lameness for the past 2 years, stemming from a CCL tear she sustained in 2022 while jumping out of an UTV.
Her most recent episode started in mid-June after a play session with some big dogs at her family’s home, when she was unable to get up off the floor. Annie was diagnosed with bilateral CCL tears and recommended for surgical stabilization. On 6/24/25, she underwent a left TPLO surgery, with plans to wait on surgery for the right side.
Now Annie is working hard in PT to build strength, improve mobility, and reach her big goal — fully recovering so she can enjoy long walks and playing ball again! 🐾💪🎾
Let’s cheer Annie on as she makes her way back to her favorite activities!