l getreading.co.uk l GETREADING l FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 2010Newsdesk (0118) 918 3020WOMEN28 Your guide to health, style and happiness leighmencarini@ trinitysouth.co.uk citywoman W W ORKING with animals has always been a dream job for Donna Wills. She practically grew up with all the animals on her uncle’s farm, and her Donna works first job at 13 was working in boarding kennels. So it came as no surprise when she went on to train as a vetinerary nurse. However, Donna’s career took something of a unique turn in 2005, animal magic when she qualified in animal physiotherapy. And Donna, 29, who lives in Bracknell, says it has allowed her to Pet physiotherapy isn’t just massage for pampered form a closer bond with her pet pooches – it can enhance the life of a beloved pet. LEIGH patients. “In nursing you tend to find a MENCARINI finds out more from Donna Wills at Castle ADVERT NOT FOUND Urn: 0116387 Revision: 0 Section: ROP Size: 3 cols x 13.0 cm's Name: House A/C Fillers Ma shape; the muscle mass was weak so every time the dog moved the hip was effectively dislocating,” says Donna. “It’s only been a few months but already the dog is now running around and playing like it should be. The owner is so happy and pleased her pet hasn’t needed any surgery. “It might not be the end of the treatment but for now it’s going well.” Donna works independently at a number of vetinerary surgeries in the South, including Windsor, Newbury, her hometown of Swindon, as well as Castle Vets. She says she has to travel across a wide area to make the business viable, because it is still quite “niche”. But Reading is one of the most popular places for take-up of the service. “I have a lot of bookings, which is great,” she says. “Although it is still quite new, there is a lot of room for it to grow. “Vets really appreciate it or I wouldn’t be here – it is another service to add to their own.” And with more pet insurers willing to cover physio fees, it seems the therapeutic touch is being taken more seriously. In fact, Donna will put the treatment in the spotlight next month, as she takes her service to the Harrods store in Knightsbridge with the launch of its Pets Bar. Donna is excited about the project, in which she will offer luxury pet massage and physiotherapy on Mondays. However, despite the growing interest, she admits she has come across the odd cynic. “You do get some,” she says, “but they change their minds as soon as they come in. It’s usually the husbands! “Once they see the work I do they know it helps. In fairness it is probably the same cynics you’d get with human physio. But the results speak for themselves.” As most owners would do anything to prolong and enhance the life of a LIVELY FELLA: Raffles relaxes with owner Hamish MacBeth and physiotherapistDonna Wills at Castle Vets Picture: KATIE LAMB (Ref 101700) It’s just the ticket for Raffles LOVEABLE Raffles had plenty of energy when he came in for the photoshoot. The pooch, who is almost 12, came to see Donna more than a year ago, initially for a bad knee and had a bit of arthritis. Donna has now put together a maintenance programme for beloved pet, physio seems a natural choice for problems such as arthritis. “Everyone tends to thinks once a dog has got to a certain age, that’s it. Because they’ve got old there’s nothing much more they can do,” says Donna. “But we can help and often it gives an animal a new lease of life. “People come in and say ‘my dog is playing with his toys now’ – like he should be. It can take time but the him “to keep him comfortable” and he returns to the surgery about once a month. Owners Hamish and Judith MacBeth, from Emmer Green, are impressed with the results. “I can thoroughly recommend it. It really is incredible,” said Mrs MacBeth. result is so good and the animals are so much happier, and it’s all because you’ve got the time with them.” ¦ For more information, call Donna on 07776 182911 or visit www.animalphysiotherapy.org.uk. Donna holds pet physio clinics at Castle Vets on Wednesdays. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Therapists. leighmencarini@trinitysouth.co.uk passion in a particular area,” she explains. “I really enjoyed working on the mobility side of things and I decided I wanted more one-to-one. It gives me a deeper rapport with my patients. “I do love my job – there’s no question about that. I feel very lucky to have a career I’ve always wanted to do. “Obviously I see fewer patients now than I would have as a vet nurse but I have a much deeper connection.” Donna offers physiotherapy at Castle Vets in Tilehurst, to help pets with post-operative recovery and orthopedic treatment such as spinal or hip dysplasia. She can also help treat muscle sprains and ruptures with massage and maintenance programmes, which can ease the impact an injury has on other limbs. In some cases, physio has had such positive results that patients have managed to avoid surgery altogether. “If you treat them early enough, it can save a lot of cost or trauma in the long run,” she says. 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