06/08/2015
CARE Center update from Dr. Maria.
I can't believe it's been over a year a half since my last update! A heartfelt thanks to all of you who have sent emails, texts and cards -- your concern has been so appreciated.
Within a few months of my hand surgery, it became clear that I was not going to be able to return to private practice at the CARE Center. I had to officially close the business -- there was simply too much damage in my wrist joints to continue the intensely physical work of rehabbing dogs. I had to seriously re-evaluate my life and my career choices. It was such a strange feeling because I truly couldn't imagine doing anything else, other than veterinary rehabilitation. I hadn't actually planned on ever retiring from private practice. Nothing gave me more joy than easing the pain of a geriatric patient -- or helping a paralyzed dog walk again -- or enhancing the performance of an elite canine athlete -- I absolutely loved it all. I had to think about other areas of expertise and other passions in my life. I needed to think creatively about working again but not working with my hands.
Whenever I was disappointed or frustrated with my circumstances as I was growing up, my mother would say "honey, when God closes a door - a window will open." Those words helped me stay strong during such a difficult time. I have always loved teaching. I'm passionate about movement therapy (Pilates and Yoga). I'm intrigued with the study of equine behavior and natural horsemanship. I asked myself -- how could I combine all these passions and interests into a new career?
Once I decided to truly accept and "embrace" my situation, I unexpectedly received an invitation to teach acupuncture and rehabilitation to a group of veterinarians in Denmark. I will be there this September and I'm sincerely looking forward to sharing this valuable information. It is incredibly gratifying to know that my lectures will ultimately impact the lives of so many animals through the hands of these practicing veterinarians.
Over the past year, I have taken the time to immerse myself in the study of Parelli Natural Horsemanship. One of my goals is to share natural horsemanship principles with other veterinarians. Horses can be so emotionally traumatized by well-meaning veterinarians who are simply unaware of how horses think - what motivates them - what causes fear and anxiety. I hope that by sharing information on herd dynamics, I can help equine practitioners slow down and give horses the time they need to understand and accept the requests being made of them. There is a movement now in small animal medicine to provide a "fear-free" experience with the veterinarian. My dream is to help spread this fear-free movement to the equine world as well.
When I'm not traveling and lecturing, I am planning to teach Pilates, especially for riders. Body awareness and core strength have been so important in my own riding and I love to share and teach these skills. During my Pilates teacher training this past year, I had to learn multiple modifications to protect my hands, and ironically, these experiences have actually helped me be more creative in my teaching and more empathetic to students with physical limitations.
So that's the latest CARE Center update. I would love to hear from you -- always so excited to hear updates and receive pictures. I am also happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you again for all your support -- sending all of you my best wishes -- and please don't forget to hug your furry babies for me.
