ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS NEWS) — Physical therapy can help an important member of your family recover from injuries or surgery — your dog.

Experts say water therapy can work wonders. Last summer a 7-year-old Golden Retriever named Guster lost the use of his hind legs from a spinal cord infection. His owner was afraid she'd have to put him down.

But thanks to these workouts, he's getting a second shot at life.

“Dogs have this special ability to recuperate, a natural desire to be active, alive and doing stuff,” said physical therapist Marty Pease. “Yeah, every day I'm amazed.”

“I never thought he'd get this far,” said Guster’s owner Tory Belsky. “We're just absolutely thrilled.”

Some dogs get better right away, others need several sessions.

But success stories like these are turning animal water therapy into the wave of the future.

Kryder Veterinary Clinic in Granger offers water therapy. It will evaluate your dog to see if therapy can help. The 12-session program costs $75.