COURAGE DOESN'T ALWAYS ROAR...

We are pleased to announce that Bobbie Werbe, RVT, BS, CCRP, CERP joined our Surgery and Physical Rehabilitation Departments this month and brings with her just about as much knowledge and expertise as you can get in this field! The list of credentials behind Bobbie’s name gives you a good sense of her dedication to the world of veterinary physical rehabilitation!

Bobbie received her BS in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University and went on to become a ‘Certified Practitioner’ in both Canine and Equine Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. She is also pursuing a Vet-Stem Certification, is a published author, and has traveled the country to participate in symposiums on veterinary rehabilitation and physical therapy. What motivates Bobbie to achieve this level of proficiency? Could it be a little ten pound Dachshund named Billie?

Bobbie’s interest in rehabilitation began when, as a competitive runner, she injured her ankle and was told her running days were all but over. That challenge, combined with her love for animals, paved her way to explore and contribute to this emerging veterinary specialty.

She and Billie crossed paths in 2006 after Billie suffered a herniated disc, leaving her paralyzed and without a place to call home. Two weeks after Billie’s surgery, she was fitted with a wheel chair and Bobbie began rehabilitation with her twice a day, every day. Although there are no set rules for how long it takes a patient to regain mobility, Billie’s condition was not showing significant signs of improvement. Bobbie did not give up on her, however, and began taking daily activities and developing them into therapeutic exercises. Bobbie credits Billie, saying it was her little dog’s brave heart that motivated them both to continue. A year later, Billie took her first independent steps and went on to become a certified therapy dog through HABIT (Human Animal Bond Initiative in Tennessee). In 2009 she suffered a second herniated disc. This time Bobbie began rehabilitation just twelve hours after surgery and within three days, Billie was back in the underwater treadmill and walking on her own! Soon she and Bobbie were again visiting hospitals and bringing hope to others.

Today Bobbie is still a competitive runner and she and Billie share their home with a second rescued Dachshund named Winnie. She intends to enlist both the ‘girls’ in a pet visitation and therapy program here in Indiana once they have settled in. Bobbie admits she has ‘fallen’ for this breed, admiring their tenacity and courageous spirit. Hmmmmm…might this describe Bobbie as well?

...SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THAT QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY SAYING, "I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW".