Remember the song, “Hey, Hey Paula?” Well, today I met a beautiful little doxie named Paula, and yes, she is named after the song.
Paula’s human mom, Bonnie was given my name by her vet. Paula is yet another doxie suffering from IVDD and this is the first her family is learning of this disease in dachshunds. They were unsure of all their options and called me to see if I would visit with them and Paula.
Interestingly enough, they only live about 10 minutes from my home. So I strapped Frankie into her doggie car seat and off we went to see if we could offer some guidance and hope to Paula and her overwhelmed family.
Paula, along with Pedro, another doxie, Jade, a three-legged German Shepherd, oodles of farm kitties, clucking chickens, and a few ducks, live on a farm with Bonnie and Roman.
When I rang the doorbell no one seemed to be around. I could hear the distinct sounds of doxies barking in the house. I rang three more times and was puzzled no one answered as they were expecting me. I tried calling from my cell phone, but the answering machine kicked in. Hmmm, where could they be? Their farm is huge and I wondered, “Where do I begin?” I decided to just wait and see.
Pretty soon Bonnie came walking down the gravel driveway, Jade bounding behind her. I was in awe of the giant shepherd who is missing a front leg, but strides along like it is no big deal. Bonnie shook my hand and her blue eyes were warm and kind. I said, “I see you have a tripod dog.” She said, “Jade was hit by a car and we couldn’t find him for a week. When he was found in a field, he had been shot and was near death.” They brought him back to life. He follows Bonnie everywhere. No doubt because she saved him, and gave him a second chance at life.
Roman, her husband followed behind, offered his hand and his smile was sincere and welcoming. He said, “So you’re an animal lover too?” I said, “Oh yes!”
Bonnie went inside and brought out Paula and Pedro, two small, red, enthusiastic wiener dogs. Pedro was a bit territorial and let Frankie know this is his home, but at the same time I sensed he knew we were there to try and help. Paula came bounding out, back legs flat to the ground behind her, not using her legs at all. A few years ago this would have made me cry, but I know there is hope. Bonnie and Roman shared with me how they want to help Paula, which touched me deeply, as not everyone will always go to the lengths it may take.
Bonnie is a woman determined to learn and do whatever she can to help Paula. I showed her the basic physical therapy movements I did for Frankie, along with massage. I also encouraged her to do swim therapy. Well, they happen to have a huge pond out back and Bonnie eagerly said, “I will start today with swim therapy out in the pond!” Perfect. Paula is going potty and pooh on her own, which I told them is a very good sign. The vet said she has a 50/50 chance of improving. Bonnie wanted to learn how I express Frankie’s bladder, “just in case,” so I showed her that too. I gave them lots of resources and said, “I know this can seem like a lot of information, but take it one day at a time. You know your dog best and you do what is best for you and Paula.”
Roman shared with me his love of animals, telling me stories about some of the kitties. One little black one he let live in the barn last winter on the heated floor as she was not doing well. Most affectionately he said to her, “Right Girlie?” He then said, “Come here little Girlie”, and up she sprang from under the shade towards her savior Roman.
Bonnie and Roman are genuine people with hearts of gold… I could just feel.
Roman said, “You folks eat eggs? I got lots of farm fresh eggs and I could give you some.” I said enthusiastically, “Yes, we do and we would love some.” He put 3 dozen in my car and I could hardly wait to peak at them when I got home.
I said, “I have a little gift for you.” I walked to the back of my car and got a copy of Frankie’s book. I walked back to Bonnie, Roman, and Tammy, their daughter who had joined us, holding Paula now, and I said, “This is for you so you always know there is hope.” Bonnie instantly got tears in her eyes, which brought tears to my eyes and everyone else’s. I hugged Bonnie, then Paula and kissed her on the check. I thanked Bonnie and Roman for wanting to give little, sweet Paula a chance and had to choke back the tears… it did my heart good to know this. I told them to call me anytime if they needed help with Paula.
As Frankie and I got back in the car, they were thanking me over and over, tears in their eyes. Frankie and I rolled down the gravel driveway and headed back home. My heart grew three times its size again and as I looked over at Frankie, looking at me, and I said, “Little peanut, you have taught me so much and I am so proud of you.”
