Shaker Hound Academy

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

Meredith Goldstein
Erika Friedman Leiken
Brad Richer

04/30/2026

03/06/2026

Status update:

Making progress, although not as fast as I would like.

Good days now out number the bad ones, and yesterday I took my longest walk yet…30 minutes…without a human chaperone. Just me and the dogs. Felt really good. Even though it was pouring rain.

PT trainer and chiropractor are liking my progress. I’m guessing at this rate I will be in pretty good shape by late March. Fingers crossed.

Lots of time on the couch, doing recommended exercises, catching up on missed Olympic events, movies and such.

My dogs have acclimated to this unusual amount of down time. But I’m sure they are ready to get back to work too.

Thank you for all of your messages and good thoughts. Really makes a difference.

02/19/2026

Status Update:

I met with my neurologist team today, and it looks like things are going in the right direction. Although it’s still very unclear how long recovery may take. Anywhere between 4 weeks and 9 months. While I hate the timeline vagueness, I understand that my case is complicated. So it’s wait and see for now.

I am charting my pain levels and doing my exercises every day, like a good boy.

I “walked” Wally and Daisy yesterday for the first time in quite a while. Which means to the mail box and back. Baby steps.

Thanks to everyone that has reached out to help, shared their own stories of success, recommeded surgeons, recommended exercises/techniques, or just to check in. You have made a difference.

“You know what would make you feel better? You could pet me. For like an hour or two.”
-Gracie

02/12/2026

OK…good news and bad news.

Bad news first:

I have been diagnosed with a pinched sciatic nerve, bulging disc, and spinal fracture. My medical care team estimates a 4 week recovery, give or take.

So, Shaker Hound Academy will not be doing any private sessions, boot camps, therapy dog visits, speaking encagements, pack walks, etc for the next month.

Good news:

Chiropractor visits, acupuncture, physical therapy, exercises, 2 spinal injections, and lots of ice packs, are starting to put me in a better direction.

My wife is working from home, and my two sons are here to help out. So I’m covered for all things domestic.

Pictured is Vita, the very spunky Doberman that was not amused her boot camp got cut short.

01/11/2026

Training Opportunity
Monday January 12, 4:30 pm
Orange Dog Park

Come with your (semi) well behaved dog as we work with Oliver and his play manners in a group. Running and romping will be encouraged!

Orange Dog Park is just past the Orange Police Department off of Lander Rd.

Comment below if you’d like to join us.

Any changes or cancellations will be posted here.