Bella is a happy and lovable 12-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who, like most Labs,
was extremely active and playful in her youth. Over the years she has had injuries leading to uncomfortable Vet visits, and as a result, Bella became increasingly anxious on her trips to the Vet’s Office; it became a challenging and stressful experience for Bella, her parents, and the Veterinary Staff. With her tail tucked between her legs, Bella would let out a loud distressed bark signaling her discomfort, and no longer willingly allowed the Vet to touch her in areas where she had received treatment. It was heartbreaking for her parents to watch.
Moving to Columbia a year ago meant finding a new Vet, but for Bella’s parents finding a Veterinarian who could could work through Bella’s anxiety was a top priority. Her Mom chose Rock Bridge Animal Hospital due to the focus on low-stress Vet visits, and the Behavioral Training Program that was offered.
After an initial “meet and greet” with the Rock Bridge Staff and a consultation with Dr. Forbes, Bella began a series of touch sensitivity training sessions that focused on rewarding her each time Dr. Forbes touched different parts of her body (typical of a routine wellness exam), including touches with medical instruments to desensitize her. The staff at Rock Bridge Animal Hospital were incredibly patient, respected Bella’s boundaries, provided a safe and encouraging environment, and offered lots of delicious treats along the way! Needless to say, they quickly earned Bella’s – and her parents’ – trust and affection!
After just one year as a Rock Bridge Animal Hospital patient, the results from Dr. 
Forbes’ behavioral training sessions have been truly remarkable. Bella’s progress has allowed the Rock Bridge Staff to clip her toenails, draw blood, take her blood pressure, give her thorough eye and ear exams, aspirate tumors without sedation, administer vaccines, and more! All of this was nearly impossible just one year ago. Perhaps best of all, a visit to Rock Bridge Animal Hospital is now one of Bella’s favorite field trips. Bella excitedly waits at the exam room door barking and wagging her tail uncontrollably until Dr. Forbes and her favorite Vet Tech, Taylor, come in to greet her – she can’t wait to see them!
This past year has been medically challenging for Bella; she needed emergency oral surgery, and was, most recently, diagnosed with Sudden Acute Retinal Degeneration causing her to go blind in a matter of weeks. Without her touch sensitivity training, Bella would not have been able to undergo the extensive examination process, nor receive the necessary medical attention. For her acute medical needs, the timing of Bella’s behavioral training couldn’t have been more perfect. Her parents are extremely grateful for the love and support that Rock Bridge Animal Hospital has shown Bella, and for making a trip to the Vet a safe and happy experience again. And with this new phase in Bella’s life, a loving touch is now more important and welcome than ever.
