About Us
The Great Escape Barkery
I started this company in 2003 as a dog gifting company selling gourmet dog treats inspired by my Great Dane, Kayko and my Dachsund/Beagle mix, Dixie Dawg. Now it has transformed into more of a canine wellness company and is closer to my heart than ever.
In Sept 2007 to April 2008 I began an intense journey of caregiving for my Great Dane, Kayko, who was diagnosed with cancer in her spine. She was given only weeks to live and was suddenly paralyzed from the waist down, unable to walk or go potty on her own. My husband, Kevin, and I used our faith in Jesus Christ and guidance from the Holy Spirit to make our decisions regarding Kayko.
We bought Kayko a custom made wheelchair so that she could remain as independent as possible, learned how to express her bladder for her, began herbs, and made her fresh food balanced with vitamins and minerals in our own kitchen. We used presciption medications and various forms of therapy including Swedish massage, Lymph Drainage Therapy, hot/cold packs, stretching, vibrational therapy, music therapy and prayer. The 24 hour caregiving was a very challenging for us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Kayko lived 7 more months and died at age 13, teaching us much, grounding us in love and truth, and showing us how to "lean". If you know much about Danes, you know that they are "leaners". If you have found a friend in a Dane, they will lean on you when they are standing close. In this process Kayko taught me to lean on family, friends and the deepest love that God has for me. Life isn't about being stronger in the face of adversity. It's about leaning on those who love you and letting truth guide you in the midst of adversity.
6 months after Kayko died, Dixie Dawg at age 13, ruptured 2 discs in her back jumping off the bed. She was paralyzed from the waist down also, unable to walk or go potty on her own. She had immediate surgery and fully recovered. I added water therapy to her daily walks, exercises and massages and today she is healthy, happy, running, and playing. We enjoy the daily water therapy together in the backyard pop-up pool in the summer months. This photo to the left is a picture of us at the beach June 2009. Dixie Dawg also eats a nutritionally balanced food that I make at home.
I love this saying that I heard: "Dogs are not our whole lives but they make our lives whole." I hope that you have the priviledge of being full of love and giving it away.
If you have a pet that is sick or dying and you would like prayer, please use the Contact Us button and email me. I would love to pray for you and your pet. In times of crisis it is important to have people that will support and encourage you.
Jennifer Schramm
Jennifer Schramm has been a Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas since 1996 and member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork and the American Massage Therapy Association. She has worked with Boulevard Animal Hospital in the kennel and helped in the hospital caring for sick, injured animals and those boarded while the owners are away. Canine Wellness is her passion focusing on nutrition, exercise and different types of medical massage therapies.
Jennifer Schramm
Me and Dixie Dawg at the beach, my favorite place to be.
Missy, my parents dog.
Kayko in her wheelchair.
Wheelchairs for your Disabled or Recovering Pet
Canine Swim and Rehab Therapy
An E-Mail Group for People who are Owned by Disabled Animals
Links
