Tinker gets her Chi on...

With Tink's ups and downs in mood and pain level recently, Nick and I have been researching different methods to help decrease her pain and generally level her out. So, after how pleased I've been with acupuncture, we decided to try it with Tink

Tink went for her first acupuncture treatment bright and early this morning. What an amazing experience! She has a general clearing done and then Nancy focused on a few lower back and brain points. Tink and I have the same acupuncturist; Nancy is certified to work on animals in PA and MD. I love Nancy so much and I knew that she would be so great with Tink. Actually I've been excited for Nancy to meet Tink!

Nancy loved her. (who doesn't?!?!) One of the first things she asked was "is she always this mellow?" to which I replied "yup, except when I get home!" Apparently Tink has a lot of ying! Tinker was so relaxed and calm the whole time; she explored a little when we got there. No shaking, no nervousness. I feel she really enjoyed it. She sat so patiently and every once in a while when a "sweet" point was hit she turn her head around to Nancy as if to say "ya, that's it!" It was actually an energy booster for me to be there as well! It was funny to see her look like a little dinosaur with 5 little needles sticking out of her back! (Nancy used the tiniest needles and barely put them in!) When Tink was done, she stood up and Nancy took the needles out.

The treatment generally makes dogs mellow, but Tink is so incredibly mellow to begin with I was wondering how that would work. It actually gave her more energy this morning and we went for another walk went we returned home. She is having a great day with more stretching and higher activity level. She's not grunting or acting stiff when we pick her up either. She's acting more alive and more like "Tinker" if that makes sense!

Nick and I will be watching and monitoring her for the next few days and then weeks. We will probably bring her back for another treatment in 2-4 weeks. Hopefully this is something that Tink will only need on occasion after the first few treatments. Nancy doesn't want to over treat her and she was careful not to move too much Chi in the first session. Yay for a happy dog!!!