petsimonials

Nakita

Nothing is more frightening than to have a pet in distress! Knowing we needed an expert, we came to Dr. Rachel Malamed to address behavioral and separation anxiety issues being displayed by our ChowChow Nakita–often considered a very difficult and stubborn breed to handle or interact with from the outside.With a very clear and customized action plan set forth by Dr. Malamed, we had success! The tools and information we gained from Dr. Malamed and her supportive staff fundamentally changed the quality of life for our dog and family. In our case, through behavioral techniques and medication we were able to change Nakita’s behavior and become proactive, rather reactive to her needs. As our dog became deaf and blind, the skills we gained helped our dog transition during very challenging physiological changes. She was able to overcome profound levels of anxiety and live a more productive life.We will always be in gratitude!

Mark and Melinda Lewis

Giggsy

Giggsy (our four and a half year old Corgi) has been a patient of Dr. Malamed for about six months. As a puppy Giggsy suffered a traumatic event which caused her to be extremely anxious and fearful of going outside. At her worst, Giggsy wouldn’t go outside (even to go to the bathroom) at all during the day.

My husband and I had tried a variety of different strategies to help Giggsy overcome or at least cope with her fears. Unfortunately, all the products, training, and private sessions with various different trainers never worked. At the point that we had reached out to Dr. Malamed, Giggsy’s fear had gotten progressively worse from all the differing approaches.

It wasn’t until we started working with Dr. Malamed that we really began to see Giggsy’s behavior improve. One of the benefits of Dr. Malamed is that she comes into your home and is able to observe your pet’s behavior where it matters most. Additionally, because she is a veterinary behaviorist she helps treat not just the behavior, but also get to the underlying psychological and physiological source of the problem. We had consulted with veterinarians and obedience trainers, but it wasn’t until we started working with Dr. Malamed who is overwhelmingly skilled in both that we have really been able to address Giggsy’s issues.

We continue to look forward to Giggsy overcoming her fears, and cannot thank Dr. Malamed enough. Dr. Malamed really took her time to get a handle on Giggsy’s issues, was extremely understanding and responsive to any of our follow –up questions, and checks in on her progress often.

Lulu

Lulu Belle, my rescued long haired Chihuahua, has had issues with loud noise; fireworks, hammering, nail guns etc. Regular vet and I had tried everything from tranquilizers to holistic Rescue Remedy. Nothing worked, with the first noise Lulu would start pacing and panting, which rapidly turned to her frantically running around the house. Last year (2014) after several months of reacting to loud noises coming from next door neighbor she finally broke thru the fence. She was hit by a car several miles from the house, which resulted in a dislocated hip, broken ankle and 14 weeks of recuperation time. Besides cementing the fence closed, I knew I had to do something to help Lulu learn how to deal with loud noises. My regular vet recommended veterinary behaviorists, Dr. Malamed. Of course, most of my family and friends thought I was crazy to take my dog to see a behaviorist. Lulu’s well-being was more important and so the appointment was made and off to LA we went. Dr. Malamed was our last hope, as I said I had tried everything short of rehoming Lulu! Initially we tried anti-anxiety medications in addition to the behavior modification exercises, but in the end the medication did not work well with Lulu. However, the behavior modification has worked perfectly. I’m happy to say Lulu Belle made it through this year’s 4th of July with flying colors. Six months out, I can use the command without the treats and Ms. Lulu is a calm and happy young dog.

I will be forever grateful for Dr. Malamed’s guidance and methods.

Teri

Chesterfield, Daphne and Thurston

My orange tabby and I moved-in with my fiance and his two bengal cats. Unfortunately, my fiance’s bengals did not welcome my tabby. Both of the bengals were very mean to my cat. One constantly hissed and growled at my cat, and the other attacked my cat whenever he could. We had to keep my cat locked in a room to keep him protected from the bengals when we left the house, or when could not closely watch them. He was either locked in a room or being hunted by the bengals. He always had scratches on his face where the bengals had drawn blood during attacks. He even got an infection from one of the bad scratches he got from the bengals. Eventually, my cat began marking inside our house many times per day. Our home was a stressful place to be.

We tried creating positive associations and working with the cats on our own, but after months of having to either keep the cats separate or break-up fights when the cats were together, we decided that we needed professional help. Our vet recommended Dr. Rachel to us.

Rachel helped us to provide the cats with more enrichment and positive associations. With her assistance, my tabby stopped marking and one of the bengals started to like my tabby. The other bengal was more difficult, but now sleeps with my tabby and they even groom each other! Often, all three cats sleep together on the same bed.

Rachel took what appeared to be a hopeless situation, and caused a miracle for us. My tabby no longer has to be locked in a room when we leave the house; and he almost never marks. The bengals seem to like my tabby, and instead of playing referee every night, we have a peaceful home life.

Rachel is down-to-earth and very intellectual. She is great at what she does. We are so pleased with her work; we highly recommend her.

Elizabeth