Wizard of Paws

Wizard of Paws Wizard of Paws was founded by Debbie Gross Saunders in 1996, and has grown and gone through many changes over the years. (Read more of Deb's story.)

From top competitors to cherished companions, Wizard of Paws offers expert rehab, conditioning, and wellness to help your dog thrive—whether they’re chasing titles or treats. About Wizard of Paws

Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC is a dream and a team of professionals dedicated to the rehabilitation, conditioning and wellness of our canine friends. Currently located in Colchester, CT, Wizard of Paws offers a variety of services for dogs related to physical rehabilitation, conditioning, and wellness. Collectively her staff owns over 66 dogs! Read more about her amazing staff on the Wizard of Paws staff page. The experience they offer is second to none. Our facility was specifically designed to meet the demands of all canine rehabilitation clients. Attention to detail has been key, and the facility offers state of the art equipment. Three members of the staff are CCRPs, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners, and the others are working towards their certification. About Debbie Torraca

Dr. Debbie Torraca began her physical therapy career with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University. It was during her physical therapy education that she began to think about combining her love of animals with the principles of physical therapy. She holds a Master of Science degree from Quinnipiac University in Orthopedic Physical Therapy with distinction. The same year she became a certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in Orthopedics. Debbie then went on to earn her doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee in August of 2008. Debbie has been working with small animals for over fifteen years. She enjoys speaking all over the country as well as abroad. She has authored many chapters in veterinary textbooks, and writes for professional journals as well as magazines dedicated to the dog enthusiast. She is a regular contributor for Clean Run, Dog Sport, Working Dog Digest, Dogs Naturally, and various breed magazines. You may have seen her on Good Morning America or heard her on Ask Martha’s Vet with Marty Goldstein. She has been quoted in many newspaper articles, television shows, professional journals, and magazines. She spoke at the Second, Third and Fifth International Symposiums for Veterinarians and Physical Therapists. She also spoke at Brian Mulligan’s First International Symposium on her application of the Mulligan principles to dogs and produced an educational dvd on these principles with him. She has taught at many veterinary conferences including the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC), and many state conferences. (See where Dr. Saunders will be speaking next.) Debbie has produced four DVDs to date in conjunction with Clean Run Productions: Strengthening the Performance Dog, Stretching the Performance Dog, Osteoarthritis and Your Dog, and the famous Get on the Ball Two. She has published a book, Canine Physical Therapy, focusing on manual therapy. She has many other projects in the works! A 12 year member of American Physical Therapist Special Interest Group, Debbie has held the office of President. She is also a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM). She is also an active member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the American Bullmastiff Association, the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, and various other local dog clubs. She is one of the founders and core instructors for the first and only university-based program in canine physical rehabilitation, University of Tennessee’s Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation. She teaches throughout the year for this program with live courses and webinars. Debbie regularly speaks to dog clubs throughout the country and the world. She thoroughly enjoys teaching to all groups and her courses have been successful throughout the world! Look for her at local kennel clubs and on the 2012 K9 College Cruise.

Want to learn more about using home lasers in your practice or with your pets?Give this podcast a listen!
09/30/2025

Want to learn more about using home lasers in your practice or with your pets?
Give this podcast a listen!

Ever had a case where the client was all in on helping their pet feel better, but regular in-clinic treatments just weren’t practical? Maybe it was a large d...

Good luck to everyone competing at Morris and Essex!
09/30/2025

Good luck to everyone competing at Morris and Essex!

We are so excited to welcome Amber to our team! Make sure to give her a shout hello! Amber brings a wealth of knowledge ...
09/29/2025

We are so excited to welcome Amber to our team! Make sure to give her a shout hello! Amber brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and we are excited to have her on board!

Congratulations Team Jarvis! 💙🐾
09/25/2025

Congratulations Team Jarvis! 💙🐾

We are doing a special sale! Buy one bag and get one free of our Nature’s Logic dog food! Message or call the office to ...
09/24/2025

We are doing a special sale! Buy one bag and get one free of our Nature’s Logic dog food! Message or call the office to reserve your bags!

We love our feline patients! Remember, they deserve the same care as dogs. Cats are often silent sufferers since they te...
09/23/2025

We love our feline patients! Remember, they deserve the same care as dogs. Cats are often silent sufferers since they tend to hide when not feeling their best. Animal physical rehabilitation is appropriate for cats also. We have a private entrance and room for our feline friends!

Registration opens today for the Bum Knee course                                                         Bum knees, whet...
09/22/2025

Registration opens today for the Bum Knee course Bum knees, whether cranial cruciate injuries, luxating patella’s, osteoarthritis and more, are a part of so many dogs’ lives. Learn how to approach a dog with a bum knee, prevent problems, and take steps to improve your dogs’ quality of life! You can take this course at a level that is comfortable for you: active, passive, or semi active! Class starts 10/1!

https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/4238

Awesome job K9 Apollo and his partner! 💙
09/21/2025

Awesome job K9 Apollo and his partner! 💙

Vernon, Connecticut. 06066
Vernon, CT Police Department

🚨 Arrest Made – Domestic Disturbance Incident 🚨
On September 15, 2025, Vernon Police Officers were dispatched to the Vernon Motel for a reported domestic disturbance.

As officers arrived, they observed a male and female engaged in a heated altercation while entering a pick-up truck. Fearing the vehicle would flee, an officer quickly positioned himself at the motel exit with a tire deflation device. Moments later, the truck sped off, climbing a nearby grassy embankment to avoid the exit. The officer was able to successfully deploy the spike strips, disabling the unregistered and uninsured vehicle, which was also displaying a misused license plate, a short distance away.

The female victim, who had been assaulted inside the motel, was able to escape safely. The male suspect fled into the woods, but thanks to the teamwork of Vernon Police Officers, CSP Trooper Nisbet and his K9 partner Apollo, along with other CSP units, the suspect was located hiding in thick brush and taken into custody.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had six active no-contact protective orders with the victim and had assaulted her before police arrival. The suspect was arrested and charged accordingly.

👏 Outstanding work by our officers and a special thank you to CSP for their assistance.

So proud to sponsor this event! ♥️
09/20/2025

So proud to sponsor this event! ♥️

Congratulations K9 Koda and Officer Bloom 💙
09/19/2025

Congratulations K9 Koda and Officer Bloom 💙

Officer Matt Bloom and his partner, K-9 Koda (ret) were recently recognized and awarded for going above and beyond the call of duty on their last shift together! The 2023 Daniel Wasson Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award was presented by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association!

K-9 Koda is enjoying his well deserved retirement with his family! He missed at the PD and around the City, but is definitely still being spoiled. Thank You both for your years of dedication!

Middletown Connecticut Community
What’s Happening in Middletown (Connecticut)
What's Really Happening Middletown CT
Police Activity League Of Middletown

Laryngeal paralysis is a common issue in many dogs, especially older dogs and may also include a diagnosis of GOLPP (ger...
09/17/2025

Laryngeal paralysis is a common issue in many dogs, especially older dogs and may also include a diagnosis of GOLPP (geriatric onset paralysis and polyneuropathy). Very often, it can be managed with proper care and lifestyle changes. We also highly recommend the laser either in the clinic or at home to treat for inflammation and muscle strength. Differences in comfort and ease of breathing are noted in the first session! Message us for more information! .of.paws

Whiskey is receiving his post dog show laser while the staff watches his highlight reel!
09/16/2025

Whiskey is receiving his post dog show laser while the staff watches his highlight reel!

Address

155 Westchester Road
Colchester, CT
06415

Opening Hours

Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday 7:30am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 4pm

Telephone

+18602679191

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