Meet Your Mobility Guides
Canine Mobility Specialist
In 2008, Kate founded A Loyal Companion to provide massage, exercise, and mobility solutions for senior dogs. In 2015, she opened the first canine fitness and mobility facility in Arizona, featuring an indoor swimming pool and complete dog gym. Since then, thousands of dogs and their pet parents have come through the doors in Tucson.
Kate is the author of two books on canine mobility, Sit. Stand. GO! How to help your dog overcome mobility challenges and Emotion to Motion: How the mind impacts your dog’s mobility, published by Dudley Court Press.
In addition, Kate lectures to groups on topics such as fitness, massage, caring for senior dogs, and canine mobility. Her work has appeared in various publications, including the website for the popular national dog culture magazine, The Bark (https://thebark.com/content/gathering-storm)
Kate lives with her wife, Kathy; Half Moon, a joyful rat terrier; Helen, an empathetic and athletic boxer; and Andy, a sleepy white terrier mix.
Canine Mobility Technician
Nikki began her career working with dogs in 2007, building her knowledge of dog obedience instruction, dog behavior and dog body language, including the impact of different play styles on the energy of the group in daycare settings.
Since joining the A Loyal Companion team in 2015, she’s applied her obedience and body language skills to dogs with mobility challenges, teaching them how to swim, conquer strength-building exercises, and master new wheelchairs. She's also our resident expert in canine enrichment, focused on accommodating mobility-challenges in games and activities.
Nikki earned professional certifications from HandicappedPets.com for measurement, fitting, adjusting, and application of the Walkin' Wheels adjustable rear wheel and quad carts. She is a Canine Fitness and Conditioning Coach (CCFC) and Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI).
Nikki is also a FearFree certified animal trainer. She lives in Tucson with her dogs Cooper and Hashbrown.
Canine Swim Specialist
As a pet parent to a mobility-challenged dog and a former client, Katherine brings a unique perspective to her swim sessions. She relates to the joy and pain of loving a disabled dog.
With a Bachelor's in Human Services and minors in psychology and Spanish from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, and a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University, Katherine also brings a strong foundation in behavior analysis to her work with dogs. Her passion for animal welfare is reflected in her final project on the efficiency of dog training methods and her volunteer work as a dog walker at a Long Island shelter.
Since 2018, Katherine has been a dedicated dog sitter and walker, applying a personalized approach to each dog’s unique needs. Fear Free certified, she advocates for dogs of all mobility abilities. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking and exploring National Parks & Forests.
Veterinary Advisor
Dr. Rademaker and her husband John moved to Tucson, Arizona, from San Jose, California, in December of 2001. They loved their California life, but life in Tucson continues to be the best thing ever! Affectionately known as Dr. Rad, she left behind an 18 year career at the small animal clinic in San Jose that she joined 2 weeks after graduating from vet school. She then embarked on a 19 year career at Sunrise Pet Clinic in Tucson. It could not have been a better match. In those 19 years at Sunrise she was surrounded by doctors and staff who were skilled not only in Traditional Medicine, but also in Alternative Medicine. She retired in May 2021 and has no regrets about the decision, but she truly misses the profession that she started as a technician/ receptionist way, way back when she was 19 years old.
The Rademaker 4 leggeds have been the best teachers imaginable: Fast and agile Joey, smart and stubborn Weezee, and goofy guard dog Duke.
Dr. Rad's current rescue dog, Mowgli, is a tripod. His right front leg was amputated when he was about 4 months old. He seems to be oblivious to the need for the “extra” leg that other dogs have.
All of the deceased Rademaker dogs, most of the cats, and even Moki the rat have lost their lives to cancer. Subsequently, she figures that every moment of fun and love and joy counts for a great deal. Environment enrichment is our mantra!
We believe...
Inspiration is what keeps us moving, every day and every night. The idea that we can guide others along this mobility journey is the fuel that drives us to take the next step -- right beside you. We believe:
- Quality of Life Is Important Now. Maintaining a high quality of life includes keeping your dog comfortable by meeting all her basic needs as well as keeping her safe from (or helping her through) situations that cause pain—either emotional or physical. More than that, it’s creating and fostering opportunities for her to experience the pleasure of the good things in life. Learn more about how we help you support your dog's quality of life.
- Emotions Motivate Movement. The mind is the most underappreciated aspect of canine mobility. Everything your dog experiences in life is processed through emotions. Understanding motivation to move is just as important understanding the muscles and joints that create the movement.
- Self-Care Isn't a Luxury. It's a Requirement. Looking after yourself isn't selfish — it's essential. If you aren't physically and mentally healthy, you can't fully meet your dog's needs. By putting yourself first, you are more well-rested, make better decisions, and provide the specialized care your dog is depending on you to provide. You can't do that if you're not caring for yourself.