Testimonials

The notes below represent only a tiny fraction of the thousands of positive progress reports and thank you notes that we have received over the years. Please excuse us if yours is not posted here but trust that we appreciate and value your thanks and share in your happiness with how well your pet is now doing!

INSPIRED NEW OWNERS:
We can’t thank you enough for the care and empathy you have shown us yesterday. A first time dog owners, Louis’ situation can feel insurmountable at times but we have found new inspiration and motivation after just one session with you. We are very appreciative of the new tools and perspectives you have given us. Looking forward to our next chat!

Dr. Melese,

You were such a big help yesterday with (my dog) Orion and myself. I was so impressed by your approach / assessment / guidance. This was also demonstrated by the trust that you so quickly established with Orion.

On our ‘midnight’ walk today, I had Orion sit and stay before I went out the front door ahead of him and did the same on the return. I also started giving him his new (prescribed medicine) last night as you suggested.

Thanks for the hyperlinks and trainer suggestions too. I sent emails to three of them so we can get them scheduled as soon as we can.

We will be in touch if anything comes up. I hope your emergency visit doesn’t last too long today.

Best regards,

-CR – San Diego, CA – 3-21-24

DOG BITING CHILD:
“Saved my dog’s life! Miracle worker! – I took my dog to Dr. Melese after she bit one of our children and my husband was really pushing to put her to sleep. Dr. Melese was very patient and understanding of our family dynamics and how Gracie fit in. He listened to all of our concerns and gave us an honest assessment. He gave us so much attention I felt like we were his only clients and could tell he really cared not only about our dog, but also about our whole family. I never felt pressured or like he was trying to make money off of us, I could tell he cared. After giving us a treatment plan, he followed up with us regularly to see how we were progressing…and two years later Gracie hasn’t even come close to biting anyone again! Thanks, Dr. Melese! You’re a life saver!”
-puppyluvr

DOG AGGRESSION TOWARDS RESIDENT DOG:
“Here’s an update on Lilly and Shelby. Their dynamics have been GREAT since I started supporting the proper hierarchy… So I have my work cut out for me but I am very grateful for all the recommendations. I will call to reschedule (recheck appointment) for about a month.”
-BS in Cardiff

FROM PUGILIST TO PUG PILE:
“Dr. Melese,

Kathleen and I want to thank you for the miracle you’ve accomplished over the last several years. When we were first referred to you we didn’t know what to expect. All we knew was that our youngest dog, Blue had been in several fights with Dakota, our oldest. We had to keep them separated and couldn’t imagine how we would ever have a “normal” household again. One non-veterinarian behaviorist we consulted actually advised us to put Dakota down because he bit Kathleen while she was foolishly breaking up the fight. At our initial meeting, although you were reluctant to make any promises, you gave us hope that with time, work on our part, and the proper use of pharmaceuticals, we could put our family back together. Kathleen and I both remember those early days, putting the basket muzzles and leads on Dakota and Blue and having them in a down/stay in the same room, then slowly over time working them closer together. Eventually laying next to each other. We remember the trepidation of removing the muzzles and having nothing but the leads and Gentle Leaders. The walks around the neighborhood with our pack, she had Blue and Katie, I had Napoleon and Dakota and then the first time we switched so I had the two major antagonist, Blue and Dakota. I’ll never forget one day, while walking the four of them when Blue strayed close to Dakota, put his face in Dakota’s grill and gave him a great big kiss. We were amazed. As you know, the work did not go perfectly and we had our setbacks, however with your insight into behavior we always figured out where we messed up and put the corrections in place. Now 4 years later it all seems like a bad dream. The attached picture says it all (see photo page photo of Dakota & Blue). Where once we had pugilist, we now, once again, have a puppy pile. Thank you for your patience and expertise.”
-D & K Ramona, CA

DOG COMPULSIVELY CHASING LIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS:
“Dear Dr. Melese,

This is my two week follow-up email about Indy. She seems to be doing much better about the light and is much calmer. Thanks again, and I will schedule a follow-up appointment for a few weeks from now.”
-KH in San Diego

CAT AGGRESSIVELY BITING DAUGHTER:
“Yesterday we taught him (our cat) to “sit” and “come” on command. He learned quite quickly. Pretty cool. I also appreciate your other advice.”
-JD in Carmel Valley

HOUSEHOLD CATS FIGHTING:
“Our cats fought with each other for a year before we went to see Dr. Melese. With his help, we had a
peaceful home again in just over four months.”
-Paul & Bryna in San Diego

DESTRUCTION, DISTRESS VOCALIZATION WHEN LEFT ALONE AND GENERAL ANXIETY:
“Hi Dr. Melese,

I always like to keep you updated on Buddy’s progress. He has been doing extremely well since our move and I think all your advice worked so well.”
-SS in San Diego

OLDER DOG WITH ANXIETY AND WAKING UP OWNERS IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT:
“This is just a quick update on Asia. Her separation anxiety has improved greatly. In fact, I haven’t used the (medication) in so long. She is not waking us up in the morning (just a couple of times) either. And when she has it has not been at 5:30 (AM). In fact, she actually only wakes up if I wake up. So things have greatly improved. Thank you for everything. Thank you again for all of your knowledge. You are truly the best and most devoted vet I have ever known.”
-JT in Bonita

AGGRESSIVE JR TERRIER THAT BIT PEOPLE AND PULLED, SHRIEKS & HOWLS WHEN UPSET:
“Thank you again for your help with Max. I have received your discharge notes and will respond soon with my impressions of the wonderful treatment (my scanner is down) and my picture of Max. You have my gratitude forever. I will keep in touch.”
-Joanne & Lloyd

MALE PUG WITH CHRONIC MARKING IN A MULTIPLE DOG HOUSEHOLD:
“Hi Dr. Melese,

Here is an update on Thomas after our visit with you last week. The techniques and methods you gave me brought control to my house with 4 dogs. I am now in control of my house. I have much better behaved and mannered dogs. The ideas given to me were easy to implement and results were seen within weeks. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our family.”
-LJ and Thomas (the pee-pee boy Pug)

SUDDEN HOUSEMATE AGGRESSION CASE IN 2 SIAMESE CATS (OLD CAAT CHUMS THAT SUDDENLY STARTED FIGHTING):
“Dr. Melese,

We could not be happier with the progress of both Rocky and Harley. The boys are getting along like old chums. We still keep an eye on them and on a couple of occasions we have separated them for a short period of time. But for the most part, they are playing, bathing, eating and sleeping together as if nothing ever happened.”
-John

TWO CATS THAT LIVED TOGETHER WITH ONE CAT ATTACKING/CHASING THE OTHER REGULARLY:
“Our cats fought with each other for a year before we went to see Dr. Melese. With his help, we had a peaceful home again in just over four months. Cheers and many thanks again for all of your help!”
-bb San Diego

BASSET HOUND AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS KIDS:
“Thank you for your help. I hope you know how very important the work you do is. You make me feel so much better and inspire me to keep plugging along at your suggestions to make a happy, centered, meaningful life for me and (my Basset Hound).”
-P.R. Oceanside

SMALL BREED DOG AGGRESSION TOWARDS PEOPLE AND DOGS:
“Hi Dr. M,

Just wanted you to know how Goochee is doing. My Granddaughter arrived Saturday for her usual 8 week visit with her Dad and Goochee hasn’t growled or barked at her once since she arrived. That is the complete opposite than last year. He’s acting very calm around her, just as if she lived here all the time. I’ve still got him on leash 24/7 for control and we’ve warned her not to take his calm demeanor for granted. But we are very proud and happy with him right now.”
-PG in La Mesa

GOLDEN RETRIEVER – IMPULSIVE EATER:
“I wanted to give you an update on Zoey. The progress has been amazing since our first visit. Before we came to you, Zoey was eating anything and everything. Her selections were endless, from rocks to leaves to grass and who knows what else. She was even eating feces, which caused illness. Combined with her somewhat compulsive behavior, we were concerned but didn’t know what to do. I have to be perfectly honest, when my wife first suggested your services, I was apprehensive and reluctant. “Dog therapy” didn’t seem like a legitimate solution. Nonetheless, we gave it a shot. Honestly, that’s been the best decision we’ve ever made, and I will gladly admit that I was wrong. In just a few months, Zoey’s behavior has drastically improved. She is no longer eating inappropriate things and her overall demeanor is much calmer. She is a true joy and we love spending time with her. Zoey is now the dog that we always dreamed of having. Thank you again for all your help!”
-Brian T. in San Diego

AGGRESSIVE CAT TO OWNER AND OTHER RESIDENT CAT – LONG TERM MANAGEMENT:
“Dr. Melese,

Thank you so much for helping Suki, Cricket, and I get our lives back. If you hadn’t been able to help Suki’s territorial aggression issues toward his brother and I. I am afraid he would have had to been put down. Who knew that you could teach cats to “sit” and come when they are called.”
-KM El Cajon

DOG WITH NIGHTTIME ANXIETY W/ CONCURRENT PROSTATE INFECTION:
“Dr. Melese,

I’m writing you with some good news about Bobo. His prostate infection is resolved, and so is his anxiety problem. I’ve been having him sleeping in my room with no constraint for the last 10 days. Not once he woke me up. I’m pretty happy about it. He’s still taking the (behavior medication) you prescribed, and we are still working together. I appreciate all the help you gave us. The results are excellent. Thank you so much for all your wonderful help.”
-MB (and Bobo)

BLACK LAB MIX W/ EXTREME FEAR & ANXIETY TO NOISES, NEW THINGS, AND OTHER DOGS. ALSO – URINATING IN HOUSE:
“Dr. Melese,

I just wanted to say thank you for all your help with Ranger. When I first brought him to see you, I was frustrated and loosing hope. I had tried so many things to try to help alleviate Ranger’s anxiety, especially on walks; it was frustrating for both of us and our other dog Bear. He is a much happier dog today now that he has learned to relax and enjoy himself. Now when we walk close to other dogs, his behavior is no more than that of interest which can be diverted and not a crazy panic that consumed him. I can now enjoy walking both dogs at the same time without worry of being injured… We all have more confidence now to take long walks and enjoy them. In addition, Ranger is much more relaxed in our home, both Bear and Ranger have found a new level of calm in the house that they seem to enjoy. Everybody is now much happier and relaxed!”
-LW, Rick, Bear & Ranger

TWO FIGHTING RESIDENT FEMALE DOGS W/ INJURIES REQUIRING ER VISITS:
“In late April my two female dogs got into a fight bad enough to send one to the ER for stitches. I was distraught and did not know what to do or where to turn. In reaching out to the dog community I got a broad spectrum of advice from “it is no big deal, dogs fight” to “you will have to re-home or euthanize one of your dogs.” I knew it was a very big deal after having to take my dog to the ER, I certainly did not want to go through that again. Thankfully my Veterinarian recommended Dr. Melese. I have to admit I was skeptical at first wondering if my dogs could ever live peacefully again. After spending time with me and my dogs Dr. Melese prescribed a very detailed treatment plan. To my surprise, the things I had to do were in a sense very easy things, nothing that required a great deal of skill to master. My dogs are getting along beautifully now. I could not have asked for a better outcome. It was worth every penny spent to me (and actually cost less than my ER visit) as I was facing having to rehome one of my dogs. You really can’t put a price on that. Thank you!”
-Anonymous