disabled dogs

Bialy, Special Needs Ambassador Dog Passes Away. Leaves Legacy with Special Foundation in her Name.

Posted by Barbara Techel

BialyEvery week on my Facebook page for National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day I feature a special needs wheelie dog as the cover model for the week. I’ve got photos lined up for quite a few weeks out. It warms my heart each week as I look to see who will be featured next, always bringing a smile to my face.

But today, as I prepared to share the next special dog in the line up as our cover model, I discovered going to Bialy’s page that she had recently passed away on June 19th. Erin, Bialy’s mom, still wanted me to share Bialy. I was very happy to do so, adding that I’d also share Bialy with you, my readers of my blog.

Like Frankie, Bialy’s legacy is living on in a foundation Erin has started in her memory. The Bialy Wellness Foundation will help other special needs animals with supplies, therapy and resources to help them live the best quality of life they can. I think this is pretty darn special.

From Bialy’s foundation page:

Bialy was found as a stray just before Christmas 2012. She was about 2 months old, had been severely abused with a wound on her neck and a fracture in T11 vertebrae. Bialy’s back legs were completely rigid and would not bend. Secondhand Snoots Rescue took her in to their adoption program, the Lucida Puppy Fund sponsored her veterinary care and Erin Kowalski, a canine massage therapist fostered her. The first vet she saw said she would never walk again because Bialy had little to no voluntary reflex. After seeking out consultation with a neurologist Bialy was put in a splint as her back healed. During that time Erin began performing up to 3 hours of massage daily on Bialy.  Read the rest here as well as see Bialy’s inspiring video.

Though her life cut short, the love and care she received is truly beautiful. To also have this legacy of helping other special needs dogs is so inspiring. It is my hope, that in time, Erin’s heart will heal as she carries on this special mission of helping more dogs because of her love for Bialy. All my best to Erin and those that loved Bialy so very dearly.

Meet Lucy! The 23rd Dog The Frankie Wheelchair Fund has Helped with a Dog Wheelchair

Posted by Barbara Techel

lucy eGet your dancing shoes on and join us here at Joyful Paws Headquarters as we do the happy dance with the news of Lucy getting her wheels because of The Frankie Wheelchair Fund! Could Lucy look any happier?!?!

Thank you to Red Flyer, The Handicapped Pets Community for sharing Lucy’s story and that she was in need of a wheelchair. Here is her story in her guardian angel’s and new forever home parent’s own words:

Lucy was found in the middle of the road by my husband almost a year ago. Someone had hit her and just left her there for dead basically. We took her to our vet to see how severely injured she was. The vet said when the vehicle hit Lucy it ran completely over her bottom half. From about the bottom of her rib cage on down. It compressed her vertebrae into her spinal cord & that’s what caused the damage.

When we first begin caring for Lucy she had absolutely zero mobility in her back legs. The vet said she could feel deep pain when he pinched between her toes & he said he thought Lucy would benefit from laser treatments. We traveled back and forth to our Vet which is about 2hrs. away so she could recieve the laser treatments. He also said any type of exercise/stimulation we could give Lucy would be beneficial.

We are now happy to say Lucy can stand on her own for brief periods of time & even take a few steps on her own. However, we are afraid she has come about as far as she can go. The vet told us there was a chance she could stand/walk again someday but advised us to get a wheelchair so she doesn’t injury herself further. It’s unknown if this is permanent, we are hoping not but it is beginning to look like it is. Lucy uses diapers & we have a drag bag but she’s not a fan of it as she wants to chase after her “dog sisters” Sontie & Izzy!

She is so very happy now! Once again, we thank you for all you have done & we will def. give Lucy a GIANT hug from you! Our other dogs don’t know what to think of her at the moment because she can actually run around with them now!

Thank you always,
Tara, Seth & Lucy

The love and devotion Tara and Seth have shown Lucy I have no doubt will come back triple that in love from Lucy, as I’m sure it already has! Keep on rolling, Lucy!

To learn more about The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and how you can apply or contribute please visit the website National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. The cost of a wheelchair, depending on the size and needs of the dog runs anywhere from $500-$1,500.

To learn more about dog wheelchairs, please visit Eddie’s Wheels.

As a reminder, 100% of proceeds of the purchase of this very roomy and durable tote bag from our friends at Beangoods goes to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. Screen_shot_2014-02-17_at_3.16.20_PM