Meet Mamie 

Helping dogs throughout the Denver metro area regain mobility, reduce pain and improve quality of life through compassionate in-home rehabilitation since 2013

Hello!  I'm Mamie Whitman (pronounced like Amy with an ‘M’). Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. Whenever I am making a major decision or pursuing something new, I like to educate myself about what I am getting into. So, I am pleased that you have come to my website to research who I am and what Dog Rehab Works is all about. 

My Journey

My journey to becoming an animal Physical Therapist and canine rehab therapist began with a lifelong love of dogs and childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. Life took me in a different direction, leading me to Physical Therapy, where I discovered a profession I truly love. I earned my B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1988 and spent many years treating people, specializing in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine.  In 2011, I became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and added my Animal Physical Therapist (APT) credential to my Colorado PT license.

In 2013, I founded Dog Rehab Works, LLC, blending my passion for helping people with my lifelong love of dogs.  Before starting my practice, I worked as a canine rehabilitation therapist at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, gaining valuable experience.  I served for 10 years as an instructor for the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, teaching veterinary and rehabilitation professionals in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

My Philosophy

Having witnessed, first-hand, the wonderful benefits of restoring lost function and regaining quality of life through rehabilitation, I came up with my slogan – “Restoring Your Dog’s Function…Restoring Your Dog’s Fun.” I love to laugh and appreciate a good sense of humor. Dogs are a great source of laughter, which is partly why I enjoy them so much. When I am treating dogs, I try to have fun and find the dogs respond better to that. As part of keeping the fun in the treatment, I believe in never forcing a dog to do something it doesn’t want to do; even if that means no treatment or assessment is performed. I use a gentle, patient approach to build a dog’s trust. Some dogs take longer to develop that trust, but a non-forceful, encouraging approach will typically win them over.

Every Dog Deserves an Individualized Plan

My years of experience in rehabilitation have shown me that no case is exactly the same and patients shouldn’t be treated with a canned approach. Each case needs to be dealt with individually and my treatment plan will be based on what the dog needs and requires at that given time and not by a financial bottom line or other motives. Your dog’s safety and a successful outcome are my top priority.

A Little About Me

In my spare time, I maintain life balance through immersing myself in nature by fly-fishing and also enjoy watercolor painting and photography.  I am a thinker, an introvert and a former jock (I competed in track at the collegiate level). I prefer peace and calm over crazy and rushed. I’d rather ski down a mountain than climb it. I like Coke better than Pepsi and the Beatles more than Elvis (they say you like one or the other). I think dogs are one of God’s greatest gifts to us. I hope to have the privilege of meeting your pet and helping them achieve their very best.