Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation

05/11/2024

Did you know Dr. Whitley enjoys a stained glass hobby? Rise AWR donated this cute corgi window buddy to the Omaha Corgi Race raffle supporting the 🐶🩵 it’s our first year here and we’re excited to see the corgi races! Should be cute AND exciting!

04/27/2024

More helpful resources from Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center for our Omaha animal community 💛🐶💙

We are deeply saddened by the significant impact the tornado has left on Nebraska and Iowa. Our hearts ache for everyone affected by this terrible storm. As the community comes together, we want to share a short list of resources for those affected. **If there are any resources you would like to add to this list, please comment them below!**

❤️‍🩹 American Red Cross Serving Nebraska and Southwest Iowa - The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Common Ground Community Center (1701 Veterans Dr, Elkhorn, NE 68022) and First Lutheran Church (2146 Wright St, Blair, NE 68008).

❤️‍🩹 Westgate Animal Clinic - Offering a FREE clinic in their office TODAY from 1:00-3:00pm (8258 Hascall St, Omaha, NE 68124).

❤️‍🩹 Southpaw Veterinary Clinic - Offering FREE treatment to all pets impacted by the tornado (19102 Q St, Unit 115, Omaha, NE 68135).

❤️‍🩹 Bark Avenue Omaha - Offering a FREE week of dog boarding to those affected by the tornado (13706 C St, Omaha, NE 68144).

❤️‍🩹 Nebraska Humane Society - Offering emergency shelter for animals (8929 Fort St, Omaha, NE 68134).

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to help in any way we can.

We’d also like to express our gratitude to all first responders, emergency medical services members, and everyone else who has dedicated themselves to aiding those affected.

We are in this together.

04/27/2024

Helpful resources from Woof & Whiskers if you or someone you know has pets impacted by yesterday’s storms 💛🐶💙

**Tornado Relief Information**

Our community was just shaken by multiple tornadoes on Friday April 26, 2024. There are many in our communities no longer with homes, pets and necessities.

We will update this post as information comes in, please post below if you have anything to add as we are actively growing the list. Can be human and pet related!

If you find a lost pet, please post to Lost Pets of Omaha and your Nextdoor App right away!

To start, we, Woof & Whiskers have pet food available for tornado victims. We are also taking donations of pet food (dog, cat, small animal, reptile), cat litter, gift cards(for necessary supplies), kennels, and also have a tornado relief fund set up at both registers. All donated funds will be used to purchase much needed supplies for rescue efforts.

Nebraska Humane Society is helping with lost and found pets. They also have shelter available. Please call Animal Control at 402-444-7800 ext. 1 for assistance. Also accepting dog & cat food, litter and monetary donations at the shelter. Stray animals from affected areas will be held on a 30 day hold. For people who are displaced and aren’t able to keep their pets with them, NHS will board for two weeks!

Lost Pets of Omaha Area is assisting with lost pets! They have multiple volunteers with microchip scanners, traps for lost pets, teams successful in tracking lost pets, and supplies available to aid in relief. Please post to their page information If you have lost or found a lost pet. They have catch poles as well.

Southpaw Veterinary Clinic All pets impacted by the tornadoes will be treated free of charge! 19102 Q St. 402-830-3700

Westgate Animal Clinic is hosting a clinic Saturday, April 27th from 1-3 PM for pets in need from the tornadoes. Exam and treatment is free, but must pay for medications. Can also scan pets for microchips.

Dr. Williams with Petsmart on 72 & Sorensen has been helping with triage at the Walgreens in Elkhorn. Their location is also accepting people who need a place for their pups to stay misplaced by the tornadoes until Monday.

Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue, Inc has an active volunteer group able to search for lost pets.

These wonderful places are offering Emergency shelter for pets: Nebraska Humane Society, Waggin' Tailz Ranch, FurEver Home, Inc., Jeanette Hunt - Blair Animal Shelter, Camp K9 Fremont, Bark Avenue Omaha, Hound HQ, Dogtopia, Basset & Beagle Rescue of the Heartland, Town & Country Animal Rescue, Scatter Joy Acres

Stray to Spay has traps and trappers for those affected who lost their cats.

Felius Cat Cafe & Rescue is also able to foster/shelter cats.

St. Lutherans Church in Bennington is open and providing shelter and food. They are currently full of donations. If wanting to help, gift cards to Amazon, Menards, target and Walmart are most needed.

Nebraska Wildlife Rescue - If you find young animals out of their nests or injured animals of any age, please safely contain them in a cardboard box and keep them in a warm, quiet place until they can be transported to us. Then please call us at 402-234-2473 or bring the animals directly to us at 9777 M Street in Omaha. We are open from 10 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. We will take the injured and orphaned and care for them until they are healed and ready for release. If possible, we may also assist you in reunifying healthy babies with their mothers. Hours will be adjusted as needed to accommodate wildlife calls in the coming days. Anything you can do to help wildlife after the storms is greatly appreciated!

Salvation Army has a drop off site at Bright ideas on 144th and Blondo. They are asking for water, Gatorade, and cleaning supplies. Donate from 9-11 and then it will be come a distribution center between 11-3 on Sunday.

Bushwackers Saloon -Ralston : We kindly request your support by donating clothing items, toiletries, plastic totes, bubble wrap, trash bags, and cases of bottled water and other necessary supplies at Bushwackers, located at 7401 Main Street Ralston.

Dinos Storage is offering one-month free storage. Call one of these specific locations:
72nd & Maple 4026147356
146th & Maple 4029164441
208th & Dodge 4022890923
Reopening Monday morning

Bennington City clean up: Volunteers may gather at noon on Sunday at Bennington High School. Assignments will be made on site. To check for volunteer needs and plans contact Bennington City Hall 4022382375

The Relevant Center : Help in the Elkhorn Area- Meet at 7:30 AM Sunday, April 28, at The Relevant Center to help with cleanup efforts.

04/27/2024

It feels surreal to be at a fun event after Omaha was just devastated by the tornadoes and storms. But here we are with sunshine after the storm. All set up at the Omaha Doggy Barket to love on your pups! Come say hi 11am-1pm and check out the beta canine weight loss program we are rolling out! More info to come here - get the scoop and get to the sign up sheet early at the Doggy Barket 😉🐶💛

04/17/2024

Yes, it's one more thing to do. Yes, it feels political and it's not necessarily fun. But... please call or email your senator about opposing LB 388 this week. I emailed Senator John Cavanaugh, Senator Merv Riepe, Senator Tony Vargas, and Senator Justin Wayne.

You don't have to be long winded like me, and there are more topics on the bill than just adding sales tax to veterinary care. But I care about my NE pets, my Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation patients and clients, and my friends and colleagues who work in the veterinary field so that is the focus of my email. Here's what I wrote:

I am Whitley Case - a NE physical therapist/licensed canine rehabilitation therapist as well as a concerned NE pet owner. I appreciate your time in hearing the concerns I have for the impact that LB388 will have not only on pet owners in Nebraska but also on our veterinary professionals who are already stressed and in short supply. Please read my full email, but I understand that you are busy so here are my bulleted concerns:

- Human medical care is not subject to sales tax, animal medical care should not be either.
- Pet owners already have to make difficult decisions regarding their beloved pet family's veterinary care because of financial obstacles, adding more burden to pet owners will have negative domino effects: more animal surrenders to an already overfilled shelter/rescue system, pets not receiving adequate medical care could lead to an increase in transmissible diseases (rabies, flea and tickborne illnesses, other transmissible infections/viruses). Veterinary care is public healthcare.
- Veterinarians are disproportionately more likely to suffer depression and die by su***de than other professions or the general population. Adding sales tax to their medical care services is an additional and unnecessary stress and burden on an already struggling profession

I have worked alongside veterinarians and their staff for the last 5 years of my physical therapy career. Veterinarians love what they do. They are not 'in it for the money'. Veterinarians are medical doctors who care for multiple species of patients. Yet in 2022 the average veterinarian salary was nearly 1/2 that of a physician in the human medical field. Vets care for the pets and in turn the pet's people that they serve. Veterinarians already receive earfuls and heartache from clients in a way that no other healthcare profession does, often about the financial difficulties that owners have in paying for their pet's medical care.

Did you know that the veterinary profession has a higher su***de rate than most any other healthcare profession? Male veterinarians are 2x more likely to die by su***de than the general population, and female veterinarians are 4x more likely to die by su***de than the general population. I think the closest rate in the human medical field is for dentists - and I believe in part it is because veterinarians and dentists are more likely to own their own practices and in turn be personally closer to the stresses that running a business entails. They are more emotionally tied to the business's policies and how that affects their clients. Even if they don't own their own practice, they are subject to being the gatekeeper for a beloved family pet's life saving health care and access to medication - a hugely emotionally taxing position to have.

Because there is such a difference in access to pet insurance and pet insurance coverage compared to human health insurance, pet owners already struggle to access routine care and have to make difficult decisions if a pet needs emergency care or specialty care. Those decisions should not have to be financially driven, but more often than not they are.
It is understandable that pet families become upset to be limited in accessing medical care for their beloved family members because of financial obstacles. But at the same time, veterinarians and their staff deserve to be paid fairly for their important services.

Adding a sales tax to veterinary healthcare services will create a domino effect that negatively impacts a huge portion of Nebraska's residents - Nebraska pet owners AND Nebraska veterinary professionals. Human medical care is not subject to sales tax. Animal medical care should not be, either. If NE residents become more financially burdened by veterinary care it could have negative effects including: increased pet surrender to an already bursting shelter/rescue system, non-compliance with routine medical checks which could cause an increase in pet to human transmissible diseases including rabies, flea and tick-borne illnesses, other infections and viral illnesses.

Thank you again for your time and help in this matter. I would be happy to talk with you more, I am a concerned but kind and constructive constituent.

The only conscionable choice for LB 388 is to vote in opposition. Please vote NO.

04/15/2024

This will have a huge impact on Nebraska pets, their owners, and their veterinary *medical* care. Contact your senator to urge them to vote no on this bill.

Related - did you know that Nebraska animal physical therapists have to charge sales tax on our canine rehab services? We are considered a specialty service even though we work exclusively by veterinary *medical* referral. Let’s get this bill voted out and then work together to reduce excess costs for your canine rehab care as well! We can do this for our pets!

📢🛑𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗗🛑📢

The Nebraska Legislature is still considering a sales tax on veterinary services for pet animals. A 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗕𝟯𝟴𝟴 is expected on 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟴.

We ask you to take moment to contact your state senator and encourage them, again, to 🚫𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝗢 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗕𝟯𝟴𝟴🚫.

- Additional taxes put a burden on working families.
- Increased veterinary costs could force pet owners to forego routine care, ultimately harming the pet and increasing the risk of spreading diseases.
- The rise in cost could create more pet surrenders or euthanasia.

This is an 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 for the veterinary and pet animal community. Please don't wait, contact your senator today and tell them to 🚫𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝗢 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗕𝟯𝟴𝟴🚫.

Need help finding your senator? Click here -
https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/sena.../senator_find.php

10/18/2023

✨October 18✨ it’s been one year since the first appointment as Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation 💛💙🐶

Swipe to see some photos of how far we’ve come just physically. Words can’t describe how far we’ve come emotionally. This space has become so special to me. The last year has been a journey I never expected to take. I would’ve never guessed we’d have come this far in just a year. I’m so proud of the growth I’ve experienced, the learning opportunities I’ve had, the patience and help from my family and friends, the trust and support of vet providers and clients, and the trust and love from my sweet canine patients 🐶💙💛

Thank you all for being here. I’m excited for the year to come and the exciting changes still to come.

09/27/2023

We had such a great time at the Margre Durham Walk and Dogfest on Sunday that we forgot to take a picture after we set up 😅😂 But don’t worry, we got some pics of the important stuff - your treat loving pups!

Scroll over to see our snuffle mat and enrichment basket winners waiting patiently to enjoy their winnings! 💛🐶💙

09/21/2023

Join in on a fun family and dog friendly event this Sunday 9/24 11am-2:30pm supporting ! .animal.rehab will be there with a rehab themed raffle giveaway and would love to say hi! Come show your support for NE dogs 💛🐶💙

09/18/2023

If you haven't heard yet, Nebraska's largest dog-friendly event is THIS weekend - the 2023 Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest supporting the Nebraska Humane Society! Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation will be there with a fun canine rehab themed giveaway and some RAWR freebies - we would love to see YOU there!
💙🐶💛 Register today and come say hi on Sunday!

Sunday September 24 from 11am-2:30pm at the NHS Meadow (8929 Fort Street)

Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest

06/17/2023

Happy Dog Dad Day! 🐶😎 Dog dads are doting and devoted, especially you canine rehab dog dads! I love seeing the bond between dog dads and their fur babies. Today is for you and your pup sidekicks 🐶🥳 Share with your favorite dog dad 💙💛

This is Huck (Huckleberry) photographed by Dogtography~by Kala Howard 🥰

06/07/2023

Some of my thoughts about how beautifully similar Spring and physical therapy/rehabilitation are ... quick, go read it before Spring is officially over in just a couple weeks! 😅🥵

https://www.riseawr.com/post/spring-into-canine-rehab

I love the ritual of changes that happen as life in Nebraska rhythmically rotates through four seasons. Having grown up in Texas where we had seasonal weather that ranged from warm to hot to blazing (and the occasional ice storm) I have come to especially cherish the ‘in between’ seasons of the ...

05/14/2023

💙💛Happy Mother's Day 💐

Mother's Day can elicit many emotions just as motherhood is an all encompassing journey - joyous, happy, complicated, bittersweet, or devastating. However you celebrate Mother's Day, however you relate to motherhood, whatever journey you have faced - I'm here to celebrate you ❤️

This little dahlia bloom means a lot to me. When I started it from seed in the early spring of last year I was still unaware of all the ways my life would change in the coming months and year - the losses I would experience or the grief I would face. I saved its tubers in the fall after its summer blooms had faded, and they managed to survive the difficult winter along with me. I planted the tubers again early this spring, and this little bloom represents a lot that I can't fully put into words yet - joy amidst grief, bittersweet beauty, enduring hope. I hope you find something that brings you joy or rest or whatever you need today 💛💙

05/13/2023

Happy Dog Mom's Day 🐶🥰 I have been honored to meet and serve so many amazing women and witness the love and dedication they have for their fur babies. I would love to see a picture of your pup if you'd like to show them off in the comments!

Photo by the awesome Dogtography~by Kala Howard 😍

04/20/2023

Exciting news! The exercise equipment upgrade that has been eagerly awaited.. Everyone is loving the new underwater treadmill by Hudson Aquatic Systems, LLC.🐕🌊!

Sign up for the Rise Newsletter at www.riseawr.com (button just below the welcome message) to be the first to know about other updates - if my social media posting frequency is any indicator, you know you won't get inundated with emails 😉 The goal is quarterly updates!

03/29/2023

We had such a great time working with Kala with Dogtography~by Kala Howard. She is wonderful with the dogs and her photos are beyond beautiful! Lots of fun updates to share soon and so glad to have her amazing photography to do so!

I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful Dr. Whitley Case, (Physical Therapist and certified and licensed Animal Rehabilitation Therapist), recently along with her gorgeous standard Poodle, Flynn. I haven't been able to share any images from her session yet, however, I do have permission to share this one. The session was focusing on using models, (including Flynn), to showcase what she offers for her website. This part of the session we are showcasing "mobility" and how great a dog can feel once healed. Flynn was more than happy to oblige in playing as he is both goofy and regal all wrapped up in one dog.

If you are looking for physical therapy or rehab for your fur baby, I highly recommend Dr. Case with Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation. Here is a link to her website, (new pictures coming to her website soon 😉).

https://www.riseawr.com/

02/24/2023

Exercise equipment is about to get an exciting upgrade! Any guesses?

02/13/2023

Should we start a thing? Sunset Sunday.. looking forward to the week with Rise AWR 💛. This was last weekend’s sunset walk with Flynn 🐶. Check out stories for this weekend’s sunset view from the gym 🌞

01/24/2023

Meet Dr. Whitley - an updated introduction! Go check out the website updates and get to know Dr. Whitley and Rise AWR a little better. If you are a pet parent or veterinarian looking to learn how physical rehabilitation can help your pet or your patients, let's talk! Text or call (402)327-1486 or email [email protected]

https://www.riseawr.com/meet-the-pt

01/17/2023

Business cards are in 🥳 More updates to come as the new year gets underway. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes and there is a lot to look forward to in 2023!

10/14/2022

A (long) note from Dr. Whitley:

I would like to thank you all for your continued support, patience, and grace as I navigate the closing of the Canine Rehabilitation and Wellness department at The Ridge and the start of my journey as a solo provider. In saying that, I know that I am anything but alone. I am so grateful for the community that I was welcomed into with CRW, with Backlund Animal Clinic, and with The Ridge. I will continue to work hard to provide animal rehabilitation services for you and your dear pets.

I first started at CRW in late 2019; I was a physical therapist with an orthopedic specialty in the human medical field, a newly certified canine and equine rehab practitioner, a new mom to my son, eager and excited to jump into the world of canine rehab. Together, we have since navigated a pandemic, the learning curve of providing physical rehab services in the veterinary field, and the birth of my daughter (2 days after the change to The Ridge!). Through it all I have met amazing people, resilient and loving dogs, and talented providers. I’ve had the best rehabilitation team, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve succeeded, I’ve made mistakes and failed, and I am continuing to learn something daily.

I do not take lightly the legacy I am taking over in continuing on with CRW. My friend and canine rehab mentor, Dr. Michelle, created something incredible in this community. She has built an amazing foundation that I am privileged to continue to build upon. And though this transition is difficult and though things will be different and will look different, my mission is still the same: to provide comprehensive and compassionate rehabilitation care to the dogs of Omaha and the Midwest.

I am honored to be able to continue to provide canine rehab services to this community and after today, our last day as CRW, I will continue on as Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation. Your continued support means more than I am able to say. I am grateful to Dr. Gaines and the Omaha Veterinary Group for their support through this difficult transition; for the next 4 weeks until Nov 11th I will contract space for rehab services at The Ridge on Tuesdays and Fridays. During that time I will also offer limited mobile services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Stay tuned for updates on my long term location and plan! Contact information on this page will be updated this weekend prior to my first day as Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation 💛

My new website is www.riseawr.com I would be honored if you share and follow along 💙

Animal rehabilitation, just like physical therapy in the human medical field, is a branch of veterinary medicine that aims to decrease pain, speed healing after an injury or surgery, maximize strength and mobility, restore function, and improve quality of life. We join you alongside your veterinaria...

10/13/2022

10/12/2022

Dear Clients and Colleagues,

It is with much sadness that I am announcing we are closing Canine Rehabilitation and Wellness (Rehab at The Ridge), effective October 14, 2022. I truly believe canine rehabilitation is an important aspect of veterinary medicine and surgery and is much needed in our community. Unfortunately, we no longer have the staffing needed to support this specialized department in our clinic. Dr. Whitley is in the process of contacting all current clients to discuss their next steps in their rehabilitation plan of care.

Dr. Whitley Case has been working at Canine Rehabilitation and Wellness since 2019. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy certified and licensed in Canine Rehabilitation. We trust her and will continue to refer our cases to her for canine rehabilitation therapy, orthotics, at home exercise programs, weight loss, and wellness/performance enhancement. Her new business opens immediately at the closing of our department. She will be offering in-home treatments, will also consult in veterinary clinics, and will eventually have her own permanent location. Her number is 402-327-1486.

The Ridge will expand into the rehabilitation space, allowing growth of our general practice. Dr. Rachael Miller, myself, and our compassionate team are working together to be the best of the best!

The Ridge will continue to offer progressive veterinary medicine and surgery. We love what we do and love our clients and patients. Our hours and contact information are unchanged. You will notice sign changes and some remodeling as we transition.

Thank you for your trust in us.

Sincerely,

Joey Gaines, DVM

Chief of Staff