THE BETTER LIFE WE NEVER KNEW WE WANTED

                          A path, a plan and a fork in the road...what happens when you grow into a new career? When you realize that what you want to do might be more than what you originally thought, or when you find that there really is something more out there? My friend, Susan Davis PT, a licensed physical therapist, with a 30 year career and a lucrative and rewarding practice behind her, has stepped upon a new career path.
              Now, the question is, what does this rooster, this dog, and this mini lop-earred rabbit have in common? They were all in pain, and they all received physical therapy from Sue Davis thanks to her decision to sell her practice and move on from human physical therapy to animals. This was not a snap decision, but a slow process beginning in 2001 when she went to the University of Tennessee to take a class in canine rehabilitation. She continued with other classes while working in her practice, and in 2008 she sold her share of the practice and opened JoyCare Onsite llc. a new practice devoted to the rehabilitation of small animals. She volunteers her time at the Popcorn Park Zoo, in Forked River, New Jersey, and has the most interesting patients.
            Over coffee a few weeks ago I asked Susan why she changed course in the middle of such a well established career, and she told me that she felt that she had outgrown her practice and that it was time to move forward utilizing her skills for the betterment of animals. She has worked with many dogs, as large as Saint Bernards and Mastiffs to the tiniest chihuahuas. She worked with a veterinarian at the zoo, helping to glue the shell back together of a large Sea Turtle with marine epoxy, surprising the vet with her knowledge of how to mix the glue. One of her hobbies, and a passion for most of her adult life has been sailing. She is no stranger to the sea.
             The diverse group of animals needing her care amazes me. The Humane Society called her in to work with a domesticated goat, sadly neglected, whose hooves went untrimmed. The goat wound up crippled. Sue came in to help the goat learn to walk upright again. She has worked with cats in need of help with arthritic limbs and amputees who she taught how to get their balance back.
             The rooster in the first picture was hit by a car. A woman saw this event, and wanted to get help for the rooster. She brought the rooster to the zoo where they did their best to help. Several months later with the rooster on the mend, the woman contacted the zoo again to ask if there was someone who could help the rooster stand on its legs again. Sue was called in to work with the rooster and through physical therapy she taught the woman how to care for the rooster...end result....the rooster is now standing on its legs again. Interesting side bar to this story is that the rooster was not owned by this good samaritan and caring soul, she just could not leave the rooster to die.
              We can make plans for our future and work toward seeing them play out, however, we really never know for sure what is around that corner. If we live our lives with open minds and kind hearts, like my friend Sue, we might just wind up with the perfect life we never knew that we wanted. If you would like to learn more about Sue and her practice click here to go to her website.  When we choose a career path, sometimes it is just the seed that will sprout into the bliss that we are seeking.
♥, Susan
 

Comments

[Becky K.]

Very interesting post. Your friend sounds like a wonderful person to know. Very resourceful and caring.

Becky K.

[Mary]

What a great gal. It's so nice to have people like her in your roster of friends.

[Fifi Flowers]

Hate that people are bad to animals... thank goodness there people to help them!

[Jenna Ericson]

That's incredible!!! It really makes me wonder where life might be taking me... maybe I'll be rehabilitating animals someday, too!!!

[Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality]

Susan, thank you for stopping by. And what a sweet story for your friend. I love animals too, that's a great thing she is doing.

[Pat]

What an interesting turn your fiend's career took. I never heard of an animal physical therapist but after reading what Susan has done for these animals I'm glad she changed into that field.
Wonderful story and photos Susan! You should submit this to Mary Jane's Farm Magazine as I think it's something they would publish.

[Angie]

This post made me smile because I love to hear about people who care for and help animals. God bless this wonderful woman for the work she is doing.

[susan ericson]

Thank you Angie...I am so happy that this made you smile.
♥, Susan

[jenny]

Amazing, wonderful. Thank goodness for people like Sue.
I love the way the dog is looking at her.
Yes, we can make plans, and try to follow a specific path, but we shouldn't be afraid of, or closed off to, change.
Change can be a good thing.

[KateinNJ]

A wonderful reminder of all life holds in store for us.
Your friend rocks!!

[Brenda Kula]

What a wonderful and inspiring post! Follow your bliss, that's what this talented and caring woman is doing. Oh, just makes my heart sing to see her working with animals. The real innocents in life with no voice to call for help.
Brenda

[Tara]

Very interesting work and how nice you are a part of her life!

[catiean]

what an amazing lady and an amazing post. Our paths all certainly take unexpected twists and turns. This is one example to not fear that'turn in the road' but embrace it
catie

[laura]

Bravo! Bravo! I love this! This is so needed, I wish every humane society had access to a Sue Davis!! I'm posting on facebook so my non-blog reading friends can see this.

[Deborah Smith]

Very cool story. My dog got hit by a car over a year ago. I'm sure if I had known about your friend, we could have helped him with some of his pain while he healed.