I often get e-mails from others telling me of their animals with disabilities and how well their furry friends are coming along. Recently I received an e-mail from Jill about a song about her doxie in a cart, Olive. I was so moved and touched by the words and the melody that I just had to share it with you. I also asked Jill if I could interview her about Olive, so together we could continue to spread a positive message about animals with disabilities. First here is the video with song… after listening I invite you to come on back to hear Olive, Jill and Eric’s story.
Who wrote the song for Olive?
My husband, Eric, who is an aspiring song writer
The song is so beautiful. Has it been published?
Yes, it is available on a beautiful CD that he wrote called, “Sand in our Toes.” It’s full of love songs written for me and Olive, of course, and island music about Sanibel Island, FL, which is one of our favorite places to vacation. You can check it out at DJ Jams Store.
How long have you had Olive?
We’ve had Olive for 10 years. We got her on November 16, 1998. We had been discussing getting a dachshund and I saw an ad in the newspaper about a litter just born. I called to get details. They would not be available for 4-6 weeks which worked out great because we were booked for a cruise. We talked about getting our baby during the whole cruise. We even picked out her name, Olive, after the olive whelk shells found on Sanibel Island. We had exactly enough money left over to pay for Olive so we called as soon as we got home. We went to pick our our baby. There was a cute little double dapple we were looking at… then Olive made her way over to back up against my legs and the next thing I knew, she crawled up on Eric’s shoulder. I knew then she was coming home with us.
When did Olive end up in a cart? How did it happen?
On Sat., Aug. 31st, I had taken Olive to her her nails cut. After she got her nails cut, I put her down outside the vet’s office to use the bathroom. She was pooping and all of a sudden she just sat down and looked at me. I didn’t think much about it so I picked her up and we went home. I took her in to the bedroom to see Eric. When I sat her down, I realized she couldn’t get up. I had a terrible feeling come over me because I had just watched a show on E-vets on Animal Planet about a dog that had ruptured a disc and couldn’t walk. I immediately called back to the vet and told them I thought something was wrong with her back. They said to come on over. When her vet, Dr. Gene Ceglinkski sat her down and saw she couldn’t get up, he knew immediately she had ruptured a disc. She had an x-ray and mylogram which showed her T12-13 was blown. She had no deep pain sensation. He discussed surgery and told us there was only about a 10% chance she would walk again. There were no second thoughts, we said to go ahead. She was in surgery within two hours of the injury. It was the most excruciating time of our life.
I was able to stay home with Olive her first week home. We stayed home with her as much as we could for the next six months and nursed her back to health. We finally decided in December to get her a cart from K-9 carts. She took to it immediately and has been going ever since.
How old is Olive?
She is 10-years old. her birthday is October 2, 1998.
What is Olive’s favorite thing to do in her cart?
Olive likes to go for walks and visit anyone in her path. She goes to Florida with us and loves to walk on the beach, but her favorite thing is “fishing.” She has a practice plug that we throw with a rod and reel and she chases it. We always say, “we’ve got a whopper on the line” when she catches it. She’ll fish until she’s ready to drop. Below is a photo of Olive “fishing.”
Can Olive go to the bathroom on her own?
Olive needs to be held up for her to go. Sometimes she needs us to express her to help her go also. Since she’s gotten older she has more trouble with incontinence, but I think a lot of that has to do with her age. She is able to hold it for about 4-hours max. It took about 6-months after her injury for her to get any control back. Now she sits on Pooch Pads everywhere we go just in case she has an accident. She gets UTI’s often because she can’t fully empty her bladder.
What is your favorite thing about Olive?
Olive has the best personality and is so loving. She loves to snuggle and give kisses. Like the song says, “all she wants to do is be with us in our company, no matter what we are doing.”
Does Olive have any cat or dog siblings? If so, how did they react to her cart?
She does not have any siblings. She’s never been one to be very social with other animals. She’s a people puppy!
What advice would you give to other people dealing with a dog with a spinal injury?
This is a life changing experience. Fortunately, we have been able to devote a lot of time to Olive. It’s not the end of the world and they can still give you just as much love and comfort and fun as before. They just need a little more attention and care.
Now that you have had a dog in a cart would you consider having another one someday?
I’m not sure. We can’t imagine our life without Olive and there is going to be such a void I don’t know if it can ever be filled.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just remember, animals don’t have the same social issues we do. If someone makes fun, they don’t know it. If they have to hop and scoot to get around, they don’t see it as a disability. Olive has taught us so much about living life to it’s fullest and making each moment count.
Thank you, Jill! I could so relate to so much of what you had to say. God Bless you and Eric for taking such great care of Olive. Frankie and I are grateful to know there are caring people like you in the world. Keep rolling, Olive! We love you!
