The story of By Vets Only began one Saturday afternoon in December 2001. I received a phone call from a fellow animal lover and friend who lived in an agricultural area of Phoenix, Arizona. She explained that a few days earlier she had witnessed a man drive into an orchard next to her home and abandon two dogs, then drive away. One was a large German Shepherd, the other a small mixed breed who paced the sidewalk awaiting his owner's return. Both dogs spent the next few days on an old, filthy couch near a busy street. Neighbors began dropping off food and water, thinking the man may have a change of heart and come back. He never returned.

The local shelters and rescue groups were full, so the neighbors decided they would help these dogs on their own until they found both dogs a home. There was only one problem, the large waif-like German Shepherd was not approachable. In fact he was becoming increasingly territorial about his new "home" and less tolerant of his smaller companion. I believe there are no coincidence in life, so my partner and I loaded up the car with food, leashes and blankets and headed to the empty lot to help these dogs.

To the Rescue...
When we arrived at the location, the German Shepherd was laying on the old couch all alone. I was reassured later that the small dog had been picked up by a man who decided to adopt him. We were face to face with this tremendous dog who glared at us without an ounce of trust. No one knew it then, but this experience would be the start of a journey which would changes our lives forever.

For the next two hours we would strategize a way to get this emaciated, sickly dog home. At one point, my partner tried to help, but the German Shepherd began to growl. We decided that I would be the one responsible for getting this very thin, fearful dog to trust me enough to help him. After realizing that taking control of the situation was futile, I submissively bribed this beautiful animal with treats and food long enough to secure a leash around him and pull him into the car. Because of his previous response to my partner, I decided to join him in the back seat for the ride home. To this day Chance bonds with only women. His memories of abandonment by men are still clear and strong. Most people would never consider helping an animal like this, however my gut told me that there was much more to his agitation then what appeared on the surface.

A Sad past...
That night I tracked the dog's owner via his animal control tags. I found out his name, history with other dogs and kids and that two of his previous owners who admitted abandoning him, once at a boarding facility, another at a shelter. This would be the third time this dog was intentionally discarded by the people with whom he was supposed to trust. I didn't know what the future held for him, but so long as he was part of my family, he would never be abandoned again.

Over the next couple of days we began to call him by his previous name "Chopper", but there was a problem. When he heard the name "Chopper" he would tuck his tail between his legs and pull his ears back. It was obvious this name would no longer suit him. We decided to call him "Chance", because after all, he was getting a new chance at a real life of love and trust.

A New Future...
Immediately he began to love his new name and happily wagged when he was called. This would be one of the few things Chance had in common with our other dogs. A trip to the vet's office revealed Chance had severe hip dysplasia and a heart defect, both of which inhibited his ability to do anything. Taking ten steps would cause Chance excruciating pain and turn his gums blue due to lack of oxygen from his heart problem. Due to the malnourishment, heart defect and other unknowns the prognosis was bad. Chance was expected to live only 2 weeks and it was recommended that we euthanize him. I felt I did not know enough to make that decision.

It was apparent that Chance was in serious pain. His hip defect was severe, but his heart was worse, so providing him with routine orthopedic surgery was not an option as his risk of heart failure while under anesthesia was profound. Up to this point Chance had been unable to live life like a normal dog. He couldn't run and play, so he spent most of his days laying down or sleeping in the yard, a familiar place for him since he was a backyard dog his entire life. It was then that I decided to make it my mission to help Chance lead the greatest life possible.

I wasted no time and began researching pain relievers which would help Chance, without putting any strain on his already weakened heart. The next few months were spent at the vets and online, researching every possible solution. He tried Rimadyl, but soon after taking it he would vomit. He did the same with Aspirin and other prescribed remedies.

Destiny steps in...
As destiny would have it, my partner would soon meet a doctor who had formulated a series of natural pain relievers for humans. We immediately met with him and asked if his associates would consider studying its benefits on companion animals, specifically dogs. To our surprise the product's ingredients had in fact been tested successfully in Europe for 10 years. We had nothing to lose.

That night, I gave Chance his first dose and went to bed. I will never forget what happened the next morning. When I awoke I came through the living room and heard the pitter-patter of paws running towards me. It wasn't the Dalmatian or Great Dane, it was Chance! This would be the first time I had ever seen him run. I just held him and cried out of complete joy. Chance had a sparkle in his eye which he never had. He was, without extreme pain for the first time since we rescued him. This amazing rebound would spark the idea for developing a pet product company whose natural products were exclusively formulated and endorsed by doctors and veterinarians. With my marketing background and years of pet nutrition research, I had nothing to lose and millions of animals to help!

Almost two years have passed and Chance has not only improved, he has surpassed the expectations of everyone. His once fragile and painful hips are now flexible. His once dull achy eyes are now bright and cheerful. He spends his days playing and running and jumping on the bed. His once agitated expressions are now full of love. Chance has become an inspiration to me to find more natural products for animals who otherwise don't respond to conventional products. His amazing soul and protective spirit have secured my purpose in this life. I now dedicate my every waking moment to working with experts to improve the health of pets worldwide, with the hope of giving every dog a second chance and a brighter, healthier future.

Sincerely,

Bobbi Jo
Founder of By Vets Only and Forever Guardian of Chance, my inspiration!

P.S- In October 2005 Chance was allowed to find peace in doggy heaven with his friends Duke, Blade, Cecilia and Bubbles. He was a great friend and inspiration to his family and to thousands of dogs who lives are now forever changed because of Petaprin. He will be missed and loved forever. We are quite peaceful knowing that the last four years of his life were spent surrounded by pet and human family members who loved him unconditionally.