JULY 2020
THIRD PLACE
On May 4th I officially dropped to third place in my son Blake’s eyes. I had been second behind Sandra in our house of three – that is, until we left the Humane Society! We had a cat when Blake was born who lived a long and legendary life. He passed 4 years ago, when Blake was too young to have much of a memory of him. The idea of a new pet had been gaining momentum for at least a year and the time seemed right. A few months ago, we put our name on the waiting list to rescue a kitten. As a family we had discussed the idea of the “right fit” and wanted to be sure Blake understood we might not take the first kitten we met. It was not an easy conversation for a ten-year-old. Only two people from a family are allowed to enter the Humane Society these days. Outvoted 2-1, I ended up waiting in the car! As the “quick look” stretched past 45 minutes, I knew that we were not leaving empty-handed. About an hour into my isolation the doors swung open and Blake and Sandra emerged with a brown box. Even behind his mask I could sense a huge smile and his eyes were glowing with joy. We officially had a new member in our family! An 11-week old “dilute calico” kitten who was born in the wild then fostered. She was in the standard cardboard carry box and remained quiet on the ride home. During the drive she was named “Willow” … once again, the vote was 2-1. Do you see a pattern developing? Willow has been with us for two months. Initially, she was very skittish and often ran away when anyone approached her. I was concerned she might not be the pet I had imagined for us. However, after a few weeks she began to settle into her new home, with her new family. She has a kind and gentle demeanor and has never clawed or bitten anyone. Even during her most fired up daily play sessions she is careful with us, especially with Blake. Somewhere around the third week at home she started napping on Blake’s lap as he toiled away at distance-learning to complete third
Introducing PTSMC Danbury! Congratulations to Josh McAdams, PT, DPT, CMTPT, Partner & Director of PTSMC Danbury (pictured left). PTSMC’s 26th clinic opened its door on June 29th.
StriveHub Fab 6 “The staff are all extremely professional while maintaining a fun, motivating environment. Both Gabby (Didiano) and Mike (Antunes) are extremely thorough and make sure that you’re feeling and performing your best.” - Middletown grade. I am convinced that her long naps helped keep him in front of the computer and helped him see the school year through.
“TThe best part about PTSMC is a tie between the staff and the results that I'm I had forgotten how curious and energetic kittens can be. During her waking hours, she relentlessly explores every drawer, cabinet, box, and achieving. I had a knee replacement done in December and went to another windowsill. Additionally, she has earned a reputation for running at full speed around the house; often, you can see a multicolored blur therapist for about four months. The passing over and under chairs and couches. These full-out sprints results that I've gotten with Joe (Caligiutypically end with an audible thud or crash! Her erratic bursts are usually without anyone’s encouragement. She is young, full of energy ri) are so much better than I got before and enjoying life. and I have only been seeing him for three weeks. Also, Maddy (Edmunds) is very Willow recently made the unilateral decision encouraging and supportive.” - Naugatuck to protect our home from fireflies, an invasion I didn’t know we needed protection from. The photo to the right is the top right corner of the sliding door screen being defended, though I am trying to convince Willow that the fireflies come in peace!
“It is such a wonderful experience. To go out of your way to ease the pain of someone is exactly what they do. I cannot stress how much time was dedicated to With all the fun of a new kitten comes responsibility, and Sandra and I my issue and easing my sciatica. Love are also using Willow to help Blake learn more about what caring for Danielle (Dunn)!!! She is amazing!!!” an animal entails. He complains that it’s “impossible to clean the litterbox because it takes two hands,” which means he cannot hold his - Wallingford nose while cleaning, and can’t hold his breath long enough to get the job done! In Blake’s words, the smell of Science Diet Liver and Chicken kitten food “makes me want to puke.” Experience is a great teacher!
”I have a rare, poorly researched and poorly understood genetic disorder that is In our eight weeks together, Willow has given us more than we’d often counter-intuitive to medical hoped. She brightens the spirit of a ten-year-old boy, as well as those of his parents, and provides laughter and unconditional love on a daily professionals and requires the ability and willingness to ‘think outside the box.’ That basis. quality is very hard to find, and I found it Great lessons, both for a ten-year-old and his parents. here.” - New Haven Being third place in Blake’s eyes is pretty special. Thanks,
Alan
Patient Trends
“Bryan (O‘Neill) is so knowledgeable and helped me tremendously. The casual, friendly atmosphere made me feel comfortable immediately. I really appreciate the entire staff's helpfulness and kindness. - New Milford “I’ve been going to PTSMC for over 6 months and have always had a wonderful experience. Everyone is always responsive and helpful. Most recently, we switched over to Telehealth...the switch has been easier than expected, creating a very smooth transition. I am able to do all the suggested exercises at home and don't feel as though I am missing out by not going to the clinic. In addition, it feels more comfortable than I anticipated and allows for productive communication. I look forward to doing more telehealth sessions.” - West Hartford