No one ever prepares you for the love you experience when you share your life with animals.
The mystery of the Human-Animal Bond is still a phenomenon being researched, with clear health benefits being at the top of the list. I still marvel at the deeper connection we share, especially with dogs, where we understand each other on a non-verbal level down in my bones. They seem to know everything we need when we need it. I call these special friends “soul-dogs”.
Dogs just get it.
I am who I am because of animals, and I am humbled with gratitude for the opportunity to turn that soul-deep love into a career. I started my journey into medicine as a veterinary technician at age 19, further fueling my need to learn more. I finished veterinary school in 2014, finally settling into small animal general practice and carving my path into the incredible journey of physical medicine.
Why physical medicine? As is often the story, my own dog, Buddy, was my teacher and best friend since the early days in college. I had never had a dog before on my own, with the exception of helping with our family’s yellow Labrador in my childhood.
I had no idea what I was doing.
We both quickly figured it out, and found ourselves in one of the most significant and influential relationships of my life, the relationship that would lead my heart to pursue medicine. Buddy was a hiking pal, personal trainer, and my very own snowshoeing guide. As a husky-border collie mix, he was made for the Colorado weather we savored. His joy for adventure never stopped, and he taught me to get out and live.
In the sunset of his life, he developed Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, a canine form of Dementia, which we supported him through until he told us he was ready to say goodbye. Buddy passed peacefully away at the age of 19 years in 2019, in a sunny spot under our favorite tree with everyone he loved present.
My other dog, Zoni, was another I was lucky enough to call a soul-dog. She was a survivor and the biggest character of any dog I know. I found her as a stray on a student spay/neuter outreach trip to the Apache community in San Carlos/White Mountain, Arizona in 2010. She came home with me to Colorado and found her forever-home at my side. Zoni passed away with peace and grace in my arms on December 1, 2021, surrounded by everyone she loved most. She was treasured by many in the community and will always be remembered for her beautiful adventurous spirit.
Why do I do what I do? To keep our pets as healthy as possible so they can get back out to the adventures that help us write our story, to join us on those long hikes, to ride that big rapid on a rafting trip, to sit with us at the top of a peak and watch a sunrise on a backpacking trip, and to run with us every morning. I want your dog to be with you until the end, just like mine were. I wish for you everything that I know physical medicine can be.
If you wish to know more, please contact me and let’s make a plan together.
My sincere gratitude to you for giving your pet a chance at their best life.
Cheers,
~Laura S. Veals DVM, cVMA, CRPM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 2014, Certificate of Veterinary Medical Acupuncture 2015, Certificate of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine May 2021
Memberships and Affiliations:
International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy (IAVRPT)
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS)
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA)
Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (VBMA)
Not One More Vet (NOMV) Online Veterinary Support Network, Member and Advocate for Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine
