MEET Jodi Bandola-Marks

Owner of Coastline

Canine Rehab + Wellness

A bit about your business?

Coastline Canine Rehab + Wellness is a mo bile canine rehabilitation business. I come to a client’s home or office with my equipment to treat their dog. All dogs can benefit from these services, and home visits are extremely helpful for dogs that are anxious about going to a vet erinarian office or dogs with significant mobil ity issues, which makes it difficult to transport them. I’ve found that dogs are more comfort able in their own home. Owners find it very convenient because they can save time during their day, especially now that many people are working from home. Rehab is also great for dogs who cannot take pain medicine or for owners that are looking for an alternative way to manage and relieve their dog’s pain.

What areas do you serve?

I live in Salisbury and service the North Shore of Massachusetts, the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

How did you get into this profession?

I have been a physical therapist for 21 years, and about nine years ago we had a Great Dane, Luther, who was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease called Degenerative Myelopathy. Our veterinarian told us that there was no cure, but that we might want to try canine rehabilitation to try to optimize his quality of life. We took him to Tails of Rye canine rehabilitation. I met with the owner, Dimitra Kofitsas, and was inspired by how she was able to help our “Baby Lou.” A few years later I began my training through the University of Tennessee to receive my Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner designation. I worked for Veterinary & Rehabilitation of Cape Elizabeth for five years before deciding to start my own mobile service.

Favorite part of your job?

I love to see dogs get better! It’s great when I come to an owner’s home after a few visits, and they tell me that their dog is able to walk more or has less pain. I especially love being able to make a difference with a dog that the owner thought might not be able to benefit from rehab. I feel that not only am I making a difference in the dog’s life, but also their human’s. Owners don’t like to see their dog in pain or struggling to perform basic activities.

Any special stories you’d like to share?

Right now I’m working with some awesome dogs! I have a sweet rescue, Bella, who had some complications after a stifle (knee) sur- gery. She couldn’t use her back left leg for almost a year, and now she is walking with her owner for 30 minutes each day and has even tried to play with other dogs! She is a very shy and anxious girl, so coming to her apartment was much more comfortable for her. I was able to teach her owner how to use objects she already has in her house (like books, yoga mats and an end table) to perform daily exercises

A bit about your dogs?

My husband and I have three Great Danes! Sam Adams (8 years old), Sky (7 years old) and Sarah who is between 4 and 5 years old. Sam is our big snuggler. He loves to lie on our sectional and receive pats and love from anyone sitting nearby. He also loves to lie in front of the fire this time of year! Sky is our smart pup. She taught herself how to open all the doors in our house! She’s also my companion when I go shopping in Newburyport. Sarah, a rescue from Louisiana, is the newest addition to our family. She is still working on her manners and is my running companion.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I have another dog, Sadie, who has significant arthritis in her hind end and a tear in the ligament of her right knee. She was struggling to stand up and to get in and out of the house to go to the bathroom. After five visits, she is walking 20-25 minutes per day with her owner and can go outside by herself! She’s now able to get up from her dog bed and onto the couch by herself.

I feel that all dogs can benefit from rehab. If you’re not sure if rehab can help, please reach out to me. Owners are very surprised at what a difference it can make in a dog’s quality of life. I’m able to utilize multiple modalities, manual therapies and exercise prescriptions to treat your best friend. My hours are flexible, so I can visit early in the morning, during the day or later at night to best fit a client’s schedule.

(CoastlineCanine.net)