Our Founder

Ever since I can remember, my best friend has been our family dog. My earliest memories are romping and wrestling with the long line of German Shepherds my parents welcomed into our home over the years. Growing up, there was never a time we didn’t have a faithful companion as part of our family.  Because German Shepherds, like many other breeds, are susceptible to hip dysplasia, I was aware, even as a child, of the effects of this debilitating disease.

Jo Ann Hartline (left), SplashDog bean-counter with Scout & Melissa, Top Dog, with Tory

In those days the medical options for dealing with hip dysplasia were limited. It was very sad to see our dogs suffer and, in the end, have to be put down because they could no longer walk and were in so much pain.

The good news is today that has changed. With improved breeding guidelines, better nutrition, plus excellent medical care and alternative therapy, our companions now have a much better chance of living longer.

Here’s an example and the answer to “why SplashDog.” About a year ago we noticed that Tory, our 10-year-old Springer Spaniel, was favoring her back left leg. After a few months it became more and more noticeable that she wasn’t putting as much weight on the leg, and the muscle was starting to atrophy. After a series of X-rays and two opinions from orthopedic surgeons it was determined that Tory too was suffering from hip dysplasia. In order to avoid surgery, we started a regimen of conservative treatment (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to see if we could improve the hip.

Although that approach can help many dogs, in Tory’s case it was not effective.  That meant our only other option was surgery. About a year after the first signs of the dysplasia appeared, Tory had a femoral head osteotomy (also known as a floating hip operation). In short, the surgeon removes the ball joint at the head of the femur. Over time, a false joint is created by scar tissue that forms over the end of the femur where the ball had been. It is recommended that dogs that undergo this procedure start using the leg as soon as possible. This aids in the successful formation of the new floating joint.

Tory was doing well with her recovery, but my veterinarian suggested that we also try swimming therapy to help build the muscle she had lost. She suggested La Paw Spa.  I was very impressed with the results we were getting from the swimming therapy. The only challenge: I had to drive over an hour away from my home in Edmonds for the treatment.  I starting thinking it over, and it was soon apparent there was a need for a warm water therapy spa in the greater Edmonds area. After a satisfying 26-year career in public affairs and media relations, the timing was right for me to apply my business skills to another purpose. Surrounding myself with talented professionals who share my love and passion for our canine friends – what could be better?

Update - Dec. 16, 2006.  Our beloved Tory passed on this day due to stomach cancer.  We will miss her dearly.  She will continue to be the inspiration behind the work we do at SplashDog. 

-Melissa Barran

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