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). She lives in Tucson with her dogs Zoey, Cooper, and Roo.
Veterinary Advisor
My husband John and I moved to Tucson from San Jose, California, in December of 2001, leaving behind an 18-year career at the small animal clinic in San Jose. She started a 19-year career at Sunrise Pet Clinic in Tucson, happily surrounded by doctors and staff who were skilled not only in Traditional Medicine, but also in Alternative Medicine. Dr. Rad retired in May 2021. I have no regrets about the decision, but I truly miss the profession that I started as a technician/ receptionist way, way back when I 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!
