Charles Danoff

Charles is our hospitality director, our therapy dog, and our demonstration model. He is a black Lab mutt that was born with a congenital limb deformity of one forelimb and a developmental deformity on the other. His primary responsibilities include greeting all clients and patients at the door and escorting them to the treatment rooms. He provides moral support to our patients and ensures our new patients that they are in a warm and compassionate environment. Charles has a special fondness for our geriatric patients. He always finds a way to get those old guys and gals to romp and play again like they did as a youngster.

He enjoys observing appointments with patients of all species, and has been known to snuggle up with dogs, cats, bunnies, and guinea pigs. Charles is our demo dog when Dr. Danoff is teaching her clients how to perform various therapies on their pets at home.

If you or your companion animal has any questions or concerns, please speak with Charles. He will be happy to assist you.

Stella Danoff

Stella is our newest addition to the team, and is Charles' assistant in training. Stella is a Doberman that had a rough beginning. She was born with a limb deformity (the same one as Charles-ectrodactyly or "lobster claw foot"), and walks on 3 legs the majority of the time. She was found in the streets of Baltimore as a 12 week old puppy and taken to a shelter in Maryland. She was later adopted, but returned as she was "too much to handle". Unfortunately, Stella spent most of her first 7 months of life in a crate at home or in a shelter kennel. Dr. Danoff first met Stella at the Maryland shelter in April 2006. Dr. Danoff was asked to consult with the director of the shelter to discuss whether or not Stella's deformed limb should be amputated. After explaining the benefits of leaving her limb as is, the shelter decided to cancel her amputation.

At this point, it was love at first sight. Dr. Danoff began fostering Stella in April 2006 with the intent on adopting. And we are very pleased to announce that Stella's adoption became final on February 9, 2007. Stella is finally in a home that enjoys pampering her and is equipped to manage her physical disabilities throughout her lifetime. Stella loves the water, canoeing, traveling, and spending time with her Mommy and her brother Charles. If you have a dog that enjoys playing, Stella will be more than happy to keep your dog occupied during your visit at VHRC.