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.

Wizard of Paws is closed tomorrow! You have an appointment with Kelly, she will reschedule! Stay safe! ⛈️⛈️
01/25/2026

Wizard of Paws is closed tomorrow! You have an appointment with Kelly, she will reschedule! Stay safe! ⛈️⛈️

Yogurt, or Yogi if you know and love him, suffered a fracture and a repair to his lower front leg (distal radius and uln...
01/24/2026

Yogurt, or Yogi if you know and love him, suffered a fracture and a repair to his lower front leg (distal radius and ulna). Sighthounds definitely have a different pain threshold and the area he injured is extremely sensitive. Yogi responded so well to his first treatment, especially to alpha vet treatment on the pain setting, desensitization exercises, range of motion and weight bearing activities. His Dad rented a My Pet Laser 2.0 for home use. The last video is from home after his first treatment! We were thrilled to see his activity! On his second treatment, he was ‘tortured’ in the underwater treadmill and did great. We are so proud of Yogi! c

Who can relate?!
01/23/2026

Who can relate?!

The life of a show dog getting ready for Westminster Kennel Club! What breed is this dog?!
01/22/2026

The life of a show dog getting ready for Westminster Kennel Club! What breed is this dog?!

I am honored to be speaking at Staar again. Staar has graciously offered a discount code for my two workshops. One works...
01/20/2026

I am honored to be speaking at Staar again. Staar has graciously offered a discount code for my two workshops. One workshop is on the business of canine rehab and the other is on those hard to treat cases! I hope you can join us!

Fun to meet  in person! Thank you for all you do!  .global
01/19/2026

Fun to meet in person! Thank you for all you do! .global

Old friends…but we are not old! .pet.vitality  .global
01/18/2026

Old friends…but we are not old! .pet.vitality .global

Come to lunch on  and learn about MPact Vet shockwave! I have the pleasure of speaking with a longtime friend and collea...
01/17/2026

Come to lunch on and learn about MPact Vet shockwave! I have the pleasure of speaking with a longtime friend and colleague, Dr. David Levine!

What type of dog is this cutie with his fashionable  doggles on?!
01/14/2026

What type of dog is this cutie with his fashionable doggles on?!

01/09/2026

Wizard of Paws and Deborah Torraca have NO affiliation or connection to TotoFit!

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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