Pawsitive Steps Uses Physical Therapy to Rehabilitate Pets

When Tari Kern adopted young boxer mix Hercules, the dog suffered from three separate leg fractures that left his hind quarters mostly immobile.

Hercules was the victim of animal abuse and neglect from his previous owner, which also left the dog severely malnourished. 

Through physical therapy and plenty of TLC, however, Kern has nursed Hercules back to health and now hopes she can help other pets suffering from various ailments. 

Kern opened Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation & Therapy for Pets on March  6 at 1894 Star-Batt Drive in Rochester Hills, a center that offers an aquatic treadmill, swimming pool and various agility exercises for both cats and dogs. 

Kern also performs acupuncture on pets to help ease joint or muscle pains. 

"We focus entirely on pain management and improving mobility and exercise for animals," Kern said. 

Programs, Kern said, range from fitness programs for overweight dogs to arthritis prevention.