Hi! I'm Jessica
Old Dogs, New Tricks was born from the combination of my 20-plus years as a rehabilitation professional in human healthcare and the deeply personal experience of watching my own beloved pup navigate the challenges of aging.
Throughout my career, I developed an extensive understanding of pain, movement dysfunction, compensation, mobility, and the rehabilitation process—learning not only to recognize when movement isn't working well, but to understand why and how targeted intervention can help restore function.
Watching my own pup struggle as she aged made me realize that I wanted to bring that same depth of knowledge and passion for rehabilitation into the canine world. I believed there had to be more we could do to help her remain comfortable, mobile, and engaged in life beyond relying on medication alone.
Her experience inspired me to complete specialized canine rehabilitation training offered through a program delivered at the University of Tennessee and dedicate my clinical knowledge, hands-on skills, and compassionate care to helping dogs move and feel better. After completing that education, I knew I wanted to bring these specialized services to the place I call home and provide local families with the compassionate care their beloved companions deserve.
My specialty is rooted in therapeutic, hands-on therapies combined with individualized targeted exercise to support over the long-term. This approach can support dogs recovering from orthopedic or neurological injuries, living with arthritis or age-related weakness, or experiencing pain and difficulty with everyday movement.
The ultimate goal is to help your furry, four-legged companion live a longer, stronger, more comfortable, and happier life by your side!
Experience
More than two decades of professional rehabilitation experience, combined with specialized and on-going canine rehabilitation education, along with five years of practice as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, inform the clinical reasoning, skilled hands, and individualized care brought to every patient.
Approach
Gentle therapeutic bodywork, mobility and strengthening exercises, and clear education help dogs move easier while giving families practical and informed support.
Mission
Old Dogs, New Tricks exists to honor aging and recovering dogs with compassionate, in-home rehabilitation that protects comfort, preserves dignity, and strengthens the bond you share.
The Heart Behind the Healing
How watching the struggle of her own furry companion inspired a mission to aid aging canines.
Our Guiding Philosophy
Old Dogs, New Tricks in Ruidoso is a canine rehab service that brings certified, in-home care to aging, injured, and post-surgical dogs. We blend over twenty years of human rehabilitation experience with specialized canine certifications to support safer movement, reduced pain, and gentler, more confident daily living. Our love for the pups will always be the primary driver for why we do what we do and how our treatments are delivered.
Why In-Home Care Matters
Working in your dog's own environment allows us to address real-world challenges like floors, stairs, and yards. We design exercises and therapeutic bodywork that fit your home, your schedule, and your dog's personality, which makes each plan practical, easier to follow, and kinder for worried pet parents.
Caring for Dogs and Families
We see every visit as care for both the dog and the family. Clear explanations, gentle hands-on treatment, and simple home guidance help you feel prepared instead of overwhelmed. Our goal is to walk alongside you, supporting comfort, mobility, and quality of life with heart-led compassion and steady reassurance.