Celebrating Our Clients Mike and Jackie Roach!

Jan 21, 2015 · Shawn Finch, DVM

Paws and Whiskers Photography

Our next story of our "Celebrating 50 Clients for our 50th Anniversary" series is about our dear clients Mike and Jackie Roach. Mike and Jackie lead one of our very favorite rescue groups, Taysia Blue Husky and Malamute Rescue. We love this family, and we love when Jackie and Mike or their partners in rescue bring in their own dogs or any of the huskies and malamutes they have rescued. Are you ready to see some of the most gorgeous dogs on the planet??

Paws and Whiskers Photography

What do the adults in your family do for a living and for fun?

Mike owns his own business specializing in professional photography and marketing solutions – primarily website design. Jackie is a Senior Director of Merchandising for Hayneedle.com. We both run Taysia Blue Husky and Malamute Rescue. Much of our fun time revolves around the dogs, the rescue and the volunteers.

Jackie with Mackey and Taysia

Badger and Mike

What do the kids in the family do for fun?

All of our kids have four legs! They enjoy zooming around the yard, taking afternoon naps and taking walks, and if they are good, they get to go to daycare on Wednesdays. They especially enjoy helping foster dogs gain confidence so they can find good homes.

Tell us more about the pets you have now and the pets you have had in the past.

This could take a long time!

Elsie the cat was Jackie’s first pet as an adult. She lived with her almost twenty years. When Jackie met Mike, she told Mike that she was a cat person, and she did not have any use for dogs, didn't like dogs. Today, Mike and Jackie have five wonderful northern breed dogs...

Bettie, an Alaskan malamute with megaesophagus...

Bettie

Mackey, a five year old rescued husky/malamute mix who is a self-proclaimed mama’s boy...

Mackey

Blue, a six year old all white Siberian husky adopted from The Nebraska Humane Society, who is the family cuddle dog...

Blue

Jambalaya, an eight year old Siberian husky who loved agility when she was younger. Now she enjoys a good nap every now and again...

Jambalaya

...and Badger who was their first Siberian husky and Jackie’s first dog as an adult.

Badger

Badger’s visits to the vet used to usually start with, “in all the years of practicing, we rarely see this…”

Taysia Blue, a rescued Siberian husky with megaesophagus and diabetes, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in February 2014. She was just shy of fifteen years old. She was the inspiration for Jackie and Mike to start Taysia Blue Rescue.

Taysia

She was not easy in terms of behavior and health, but a true inspiration for being consistent, patient and never giving up. The fact that she lived as long as she did with all the problems she had is a testament for good, transparent, open communication with your veterinarian. It took the village of doctors, techs and kennel staff at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital to help her live a great life.

Taysia

Tell us about when you first met the Gentle Doctor team or a story about the team others may not know.

Jackie was working for a local radio station selling advertising. Pete Bashara was a client, and she helped with the radio remote when the clinic opened at Maple Street. She grilled hot dogs for people attending the open house. She was so impressed with Dr. Bashara and the clinic that she became a client.

What have you learned about pets that you did not know as a kid or before you had your own pets?

I think I could write a book! We have learned that dogs need enrichment to be happy – playtime, walks, stimulating their minds all make for happier, healthier dogs.

Badger, Taysia and Jambalaya

Jambalaya

Blue

We have learned that we as humans are the problem, not the dog in most cases. We do so much to confuse our dogs that it is a wonder that they are able to figure out what we want or ask of them. We understand canine behavior so much better than we ever dreamed - how to recognize when dogs are stressed or not happy by tiny facial gestures or body posture. This knowledge is so helpful in understanding what they need and ultimately in preventing bites or unwanted behaviors.

Do you have wisdom about any medical conditions that you could share with someone who is perhaps just starting to walk their pet through a similar situation?

I have had two dogs with megaesophagus. It is often hard to detect. Sadly, many are not diagnosed properly, if at all. We hear of people feeling really helpless when faced with this disease. It many times can be managed, and the pet can live a relatively normal life, but it will take some time, research and commitment (and paper towels) from the owner. The key is to ask questions of your veterinarian and the staff. Open yourself to learning about the disease.

Taysia

The most important thing that came out of our first dog’s "megaE" was building open dialog with the veterinarians that we worked with at Gentle Doctor. We shared what we learned, they shared what they learned and together with the medical staff, we tried things. Some worked, some did not, and we are still trying with our current megaE dog. We do not expect the doctors to perform miracles, but together we can figure out the best plan for the moment. What worked today might not work tomorrow, so sometimes the road map needs to change. But most importantly, we never give up and neither do our doctors. It is a collaborative effort, and we will always be clients for life because of that relationship that we have.

Bettie, Living Well with Megaesophagus!

Do you have a favorite breed or type of pet?

Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute of course!

Is there a shelter or rescue group that is dear to you that you would like us to help spread the word about?

Taysia Blue Husky & Malamute Rescue!!!

Is there a non-pet related cause you would like us to help spread the word about?

We like to speak for those who can not speak for themselves. That is why we devote so much time to animal rescue work, but Jackie’s other passion is CASA of Douglas County. This organization helps kids who are caught up in the frustrating cycle of the foster care system. Volunteers become their voice in court and advocate for their care and ultimately for permanency.

Is there anything else we should include in your story?

Mike's family was a client of Pete's dad about forty years ago with his dog named Spunky!

MORE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS...