All Dogs Go to Heaven
- Rachel Velarde
- Feb, 03, 2019
- Dog Inspiration
- 2 Comments.

For pet owners, dealing with the loss of an animal is one of the hardest experiences we will go through in our lifetime. Whether it is our own pet, our family member’s pet or an animal we spent time with at some point in our lives, every emotion is still felt. Since starting Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, I have had the chance to work with some amazing animals, but with those happy times, also comes the hard ones. When you think of hydrotherapy, the first thing that might come to mind is a dog who needs rehabilitation. Most of my clients are typically in their senior years suffering from arthritis, a degenerative disease or even cancer. Hydrotherapy is very healing to those animals who need a calming atmosphere and gentle touch. The warm water associated with hydrotherapy makes for a relaxing and comfortable place, any and every dog, no matter the age can enjoy. With all this being said, sadly every dog doesn’t live forever, and especially the ones I have the opportunity of helping. It can be very difficult seeing a dog in pain, but using hydrotherapy can bring much joy and life back into these animals.
Quite recently, there has been a span of unfortunate events, and we have lost 6 clients in total within the last 6 months. Each and every dog who has crossed the rainbow bridge was unique in their own way, but they all shared one common experience- hydrotherapy. Although it may be very hard at times, because one day you will be having fun in the pool with a dog you swim regularly and then the next day realizing you’ll never get to see or hold them in the water again, your emotions can feel like they are on a rollercoaster ride. Of course you can expect these feelings, especially when working in the pet care field, but as humans, no matter how much you can prepare yourself mentally, you will always feel the same way when it happens whether it is the first or tenth dog you have to say goodbye to. I do accept that life happens and every person, creature and thing has their time, but as true animal lovers, I guess the first thing that comes to mind is the question, why?
Dogs are such innocent and precious creatures, that it is sometimes hard to fathom the reasons or timing of their passing. It is hard to watch a dog suffer from cancer or from being paralyzed prematurely, but as dog owners and lovers, it is harder to cope with the fact they are not around any longer. A big piece of yourself is lost forever and no matter how much time has passed, the loss of a loved pet will always be heart wrenching. As a dog owner and avid dog lover, my heart hurts for my clients and the hard times I know that lies ahead of them. Every client and their dog I’ve had the pleasure of knowing has honestly been amazing. They are dedicated to the complete well-being of their animals and will do anything for them. Dog lovers are really great people who I get to share a big common interest with. We all love, respect and take care of our animals, and would go to the ends of the earth for them. We do not view pets as just that, they are our family, our best friends and our soul mates. I am truly thankful for every one of my clients, whether I still swim with their dogs or not. I am blessed to know them and be able to share time with them. I believe everyone you meet can teach you something about yourself and there are special reasons they show up in our life. If you are a client of mine, or a future client of mine, or even just a dog lover who happened to stumble across this blog, I thank you for sharing your time with me. By simply reading this blog, you are dedicating time to me and what I have committed my life to. I will always be here to help anyone and their animals as much as I can.
With all this being said, I have decided to create an “In Memoriam” page on my website, dedicated to all of the amazing dog’s we have had the chance to know and help. We miss them dearly and love them forever. I will leave this blog with one of my favorite quotes and poems about the loss of a pet. Until we meet again…

Rest in Paradise:
Jackson, Early, Edith, Jack, Sammy, Chloe and Chaucer

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019
lost my dog recently
So sorry to hear that.