Auggie Doggie's Story

We began bringing our pet, Auggie Doggie (does that date us?) to Dr. Ingold's office by referral. Auggie is our 4 ½ year old Yorkshire terrier who was supposed to be a teacup, but he turned into a coffee mug! Besides being overweight and needing to lose one-third of his total body weight to relieve the strain from his major organs, Auggie has other health concerns which Dr. Ingold helps us manage. Auggie's bad knee joint, the result of a puppy hood fall, was being complicated by his extra weight. He also has a thyroid disease that we regularly treat with medication to help maintain his metabolism, and as if that wasn't enough, Auggie-Doggie also has skin allergies which drive him crazy!

But Dr. Ingold recommended we deal with one problem at a time and addressed his weight issue first. Auggie was placed on Hill's Prescription R/D weight management program designed just for him. Dr. Ingold calculated his goal weight and gave us a precise feeding schedule including the exact amounts to feed Auggie Doggie. Every week (yes, we brought him in for weigh-ins) Auggie Doggie lost weight. He has almost reached his goal weight because ONE-THIRD OF HIS WEIGHT IS NOW GONE! No one recognizes Auggie, and he looks and acts like a young puppy. Welcome back, Auggie Doggie!

We believe Dr. Ingold's program added years to Auggie Doggie's life AND life to his years. We are very grateful and appreciate Dr Ingold, and his welcoming staff members. Thanks to all of you for your love and assistance.

Carl and Sue Maxwell

P.S. Dr. Ingold knew that we were the problem and trained US! Thank you.

THE REMARKABLE STORY OF SHADOW RUSSO

We came to know the Russo family when they moved to York in 2009. Their beloved Lab, Sadie, was undergoing chemotherapy treatments for Lymphoma. Sadie fought bravely, but she eventually succumbed to the cancer. Tragically, only one week later, their second Lab, Shadow, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in the form of an extremely painful malignant tumor present on his left ankle.

Still grieving the loss of their other pet and struggling with the financial consequences of treating both dogs, the Russo family was faced with a sobering decision. The Russo’s opted for amputation as the most optimistic treatment plan for Shadow, and so in January of 2010, Dr. Ingold amputated Shadow’s left leg at mid femur. Shadow’s recovery was amazing! Not only did he heal well after the surgery, but he also fought through sixteen weeks of chemotherapy and is now cancer free! His family is overjoyed to have him at home with them where he belongs.

Life has changed for Shadow in many ways. He has had to relearn how to perform the most basics tasks; walking up stairs, getting into the car, even finding the best way to relieve himself in the yard! Playing Frisbee with his family doesn’t include leaps into the air anymore, and since Shadow is unable to scratch his left side, the family must lend a helping hand now and then

The courage and commitment displayed by The Russo’s in their care for both Shadow and Sadie is an inspiration to all pet owners. Proceeding with cancer treatments for both of their pets in spite of the financial and emotional stress is a true testament to all who believe as the Russo’s do, that their pets “are not just dogs, they are part of our family”.

According to Mrs. Russo, "We could not be more pleased and happy with Dr. Ingold and his staff. We are always greeted with a smile or kindness when we call. Shadow still loves going to see Dr. Ingold and his staff. He always has a very pleasant visit and is treated with the utmost care and attention. When I would pick him up from his chemotherapy treatments, the girls always had him up behind the (front desk) counter or he was upstairs visiting. I truly believe Shadow’s experience with cancer, his recovery, and his follow up care, showing no cancer in his lungs, has definitely been due to the wonderful care he has received through Dr. Ingold and his fabulous staff."

Dear Dr. Ingold

I want to let you know how very much your kindness and compassion are appreciated throughout these past few months of caring for Sadie.  Your honesty and integrity as a professional and animal lover have guided me in providing the best care for Sadie through some exceedingly difficult times.  Your patience with me has helped me be at ease with decisions that needed to be made and your generosity of time and attention have given me peace of mind as well.  And I can't even express in words how very much it meant to your family for you to come to our home so Sadie's final moments could be in the place she felt most comfortable and loved.  A special thank you to Jennifer for handling my constant phone calls with professionalism and care.  And a special thank you to Betsy, with whom I could tell, Sadie felt a bond.  (Her) love for God's creatures shines through.

With much admiration,

(Mrs.) Jennifer Unger