Sydney first saw Dr. Wasserman on October 9, 2003, just 5 ½ months after she had surgery for 2 herniated discs at the L3-L4 level. Sydney didn't have any deep pain after surgery and couldn't stand alone at all. One week after she had her first adjustment she was able to support her weight on all four feet. During the next 2 ½ years we would see small but significant improvements. We knew that Sydney would never walk again but anything to improve her quality of life was a celebration in our books. We purchased her a wheelchair so that she could be mobile when we went outside. Even though Sydney couldn't feel from her waist down, somehow she regained the ability to wag her tail!! We would always know when she was entering the room, via scooting because we would hear her tail wagging as it hit the walls, chairs, cabinets, etc. Then one day the tail wagging stopped. We didn't know why but of course we were very concerned. We watched it for about 3 days and the wag never returned. Her tail was just limp. We made an appointment with Dr. Wasserman for an adjustment, hoping that it would help. Well, Dr. Wasserman adjusted Sydney and before we could leave his office Sydney's tail was wagging 100% again!! That made a believer out of us. Nothing else was done to her except receiving an adjustment, so it was the adjustment that brought her tail back to wagging. We all had tears of joy in our eyes when we saw that tail wag. It was as though we had just witnessed a miracle.

Sydney continued to show small improvements and loved life. She loved to go see Dr. Wasserman too. One day she even kissed him and Sydney was not a kisser-AT ALL. After an adjustment we could tell that Sydney felt better. Her eyes were shinier, she would sleep better and her whole demeanor was upbeat. Sydney continued to see Dr. Wasserman on a maintenance basis, about every 6 weeks. We did this to maintain good spinal alignment and prevent any further damage. Even though Sydney had surgery there was always the possibility that a herniation could happen at another place on her spine or even in her neck.

Sydney lived a wonderful and healthy life. She didn't know that there was anything wrong with her, only that things in her life were a little different and that she couldn't do some of the things that she did before. She could still chase birds, dig in the trash, bark and the UPS and the mailman as well as protect her home. Sadly and unexpectedly Sydney passed away January 16, 2006 from a heart problem. She was a fighter and our inspiration. She taught us to love life no matter what obstacles you are given. She will forever be in our hearts.

Sydney Louise Chavez
July 14, 1996-January 16, 2006

We want to thank Dr. Wasserman and his devotion and love for Sydney. We knew he really cared about Sydney and was a very important part of her live. Thank you, Dr. Wasserman.

The Chavez Family