Daisy Horn

Daisy, my almost 8 year old, Jack Russell Terrier/Beagle mix and I met Dr. J. D. about 5 years ago. When I rescued Daisy, she had been abused and suffered from many anxieties.

When I first got her, she didn't show her "true colors." She was very nervous around men, especially workmen. She was apprehensive about all strangers and anyone who got into her "personal space." She loved kids as long as they weren't too jumpy, running towards her, or riding bicycles or skateboards. She loved my family but occasionally nipped at ankles as a warning.

Dr. J.D. was recommended to me by our vets. Her caring, empathetic way had Daisy and I at ease from the minute we met her. Through her systematic guidance and training, she was able to teach me how to help my poor dog into becoming the wonderful dog that I knew was hidden under all the anxiety. I have calmed down too when people approach us.

I don't know what would have happened if we had not found Dr. J.D! Thank you for everything!

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Lisa H.
Delray Beach, FL

Our rescue dog, Tucker, had extreme anxiety. She growled and barked at other dogs and visitors to our home, especially childen. Dr. JD devised a treatment plan that combined medication, which helped relieve her anxiety so she could learn, and behavior modification, to teach her what she needed to know about social interactions. We chose to work with a trainer for help with the desensitization program; this helped us to stay on track with her desensitizion. We were commited to do everything that needed to be done to relieve her fears and help her be a relaxed and happy dog. The combination of both medication and behavioral training has worked wonders, and Tucker has even been comfortable enough to play with other dogs and children. Dr. JD was understanding and gentle with Tucker, and always responsive to our questions and problems. We are very grateful.

Susannah R
Boca Raton, FL
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We came to Dr. JD after being unable to solve our cat's house marking issues. George had urinated on or against everything in the house at some point. Our vet tried to help with medication in addition to all the modifications made at home. Changing litter, boxes, using Feliway, etc., none seemed to help for any length of time. He was clearly unhappy with something, but we had no solution in sight. Rehoming him was considered only to find him a place where he could be a single male cat, but who wants a cat who rarely uses the box? Dr. JD was recommended by my vet, and she was a godsend. George was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. He is on a different medication now, and he is a happy boy who consistently uses the litterbox. Once he began his new treatment, the change began within a week. Only one modification was required, and anyone can tell how much more relaxed (not drugged) and confident he feels. Don't be afraid to give your companion medication if that is what is needed to help him feel better. After all, you'd give an antibiotic for an infection, so why not help to treat a chemical inbalance in the brain? Thanks so much for everything. George says getting his "special treats" after pills is the best!


Karen W.
West Palm Beach,FL
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My husband and I were out of town on a short trip and, of course, had to check out a pet shop we saw in a mall. We immediately fell in love with a little boxer pup (we already had 2 boxers - the loves of our lives) and decided to take her home. We found out when she was six months old that she had a bad arrythmia and she was put on antiarrythmics, and we were told that the prognosis for her might not be good, but she continued to touch our lives and our hearts, and we knew there was nothing we wouldn't do for her. She began to exhibit signs of aggression that were very scary - attacking our other two boxers for no reason. We were blessed to find Dr. JD through our puppy cardiologist, and took our three boxers to visit with her. She immediately made us comfortable, and we knew that she really cared about our little "Pants" (her name is actually Chrissy, but the nickname "Pants" is what we call her - no idea why!!!) as well as Rosie and Bo (out other two boxer kids). Things are so much better since our visit with her, and we continue to enjoy our boxer kids more and more every day. Pants has changed our family and touched our lives, and with Dr. JD's help she is enjoying her life more now as well since her aggression is more under control. She continues to do well with her arrhythmia with medication, and with her aggression. Thanks so much for being there, Dr. JD, and for all you have taught us as well.

Ken and Caroline M
Coral Springs, FL
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Dr. JD was truly Joey's "last chance"

Joey came to me in December 2005 from a Miniature Schnauzer rescue group. He was only a year old and had multiple behavioral problems - hyperactivity, stool eating, disrupted sleep cycles, excessive barking (even for a Schnauzer!), and housetraining difficulties. While exercise, holistic medicine, training and behavior modification techniques seemed to help somewhat, Joey was not able to calm down and was exhausting me and my other 3 dogs.

Dr. JD was able to determine the cause of Joey's problems and prescribe just the right combination of medication and behavioral modification techniques to "put the brakes on" Joey's brain, which had previously been racing out of control.

Dr JD was extremely kind to Joey at the consultation and really seemed to see through his crazy, out of control behavior and appreciate the sweet little dog inside who was trying so hard to come out. Having access to Dr JD by e-mail for the four-month follow-up period after the consultation was fantastic - she always responded quickly to my requests for help or clarification.

Joey has improved so much that I have enrolled him in an Introduction to Agility class, where he is one of the class' star pupils. We would not be there if not for Dr. JD. Her expertise and kindness have made all the difference for Joey and given him the opportunity to be a really great little dog.

Thanks, Dr. JD!
Janet S. in Tampa
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Coco and Mitzi are Yorkie littermates we got at 8 weeks of age. Both have always been sweet and loving. Coco was happy and playful, but always timid, scared of loud noises or changes in the home. She gradually became less playful and more aloof; but has always remained very sweet.

Coco's problems started when she was 8 years old. She began stalking Mitzi and then aggressively attacking her. Coco changed from sweet and timid to aggressive behavior in a matter of seconds. The attacks were unprovoked and occurred at any time. Our veterinarian found no underlying medical issues and prescribed tranquilizers and sedatives; the aggressive behavior continued to worsen.

As the frequency and intensity of the attacks increased to an uncomfortable level our vet warned that Coco could fatally injure Mitzi and referred us to Dr. JD.

We were desperate for help, and Dr JD gave us hope during the first visit. She diagnosed Coco with "poor impulse control," explaining in detail her condition and the recommended treatment. Dr. JD has worked closely with us and has prescribed different behavioral modification exercises and medication. She has always been accessible by phone or email, which has been very comforting.

We are all doing well; Mitzi is not as afraid of Coco as in the past, and Coco's aggression has improved dramatically. Initially her attacks could occur twice daily. Great News - we can interrupt her attacks when they begin but recently she has not had an episode in over 2 months!

Thank you, Dr. JD, for your kindness, empathy, and expertise; without your help, our situation could have sadly had a different outcome.

Barbara and Jim P.
Tampa