disabled dogs

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Diagnosed with Chronic Heart Disease. We have HOPE.

Posted by Barbara Techel

This was not an easy decision for me to make to share this news with Frankie’s many fans. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but I needed to process this for myself first.

While I have HOPE Frankie will continue to be with me for some time to come, I felt it important to share with all of you, her fans, who have followed and loved her over the years.

On Friday, one day after her retirement, Frankie was diagnosed with Chronic Heart Disease. While you will often hear it referred to as Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) I have chosen to say disease and be positive she will live comfortably with this.

While I won’t say what type of treatment we have chosen for Frankie, as I feel that is a choice that only I can make for her and I feel comfortable with the choice, I will say she is receiving treatment…. And most of all, lots of love from me and her family.  Part of my struggle in sharing the news of her diagnoses is I know others will want to help and offer advice.  I get that. But know I am not seeking advice and that I am doing what I feel is best for her. We’ve been together just about 24/7 every day for the past six years so I know in my heart the choices I make for her are the right ones.

She had a rough day and night on Sunday but is doing better today and showing signs of improvement. She will be closely monitored by me and her vet. There is no definitive prognosis as Frankie’s vet explained that each dog is different and responds differently. It could be a month, nine months, a year or two, or anywhere in between.

What I do know is Frankie is comfortable today. What I do know is I love her more than I could ever adequately express. What I do know is I’ll be here for her every step of the way. What I do know is I’m being prepared for “someday” and I take it seriously, but not too seriously that I don’t enjoy every moment of JOY with her. What I do know is I will do my very best for her. What I do know is I’ll forever be grateful to God for her. What I do know is she has many people who love her and will pray for her. I believe in prayer and healing thoughts.

What I do know is that there is a beginning and an end, but with an end, also a beginning. I will not focus on the end, but will enjoy whatever time with Frankie I have that is God’s will. And I also believe there is never truly an end; just a next step in the next journey we move into… whatever that journey is for any of us… including our pets.

Lastly, if there is one thing that Frankie taught me that truly resonates with me right now is that there is always HOPE. I hold onto that. Yes, I do hold onto hoping I have much more time with her, but I also have HOPE that I’ll be guided no matter what the path is ahead.

I’ll continue to keep you posted.

For the soul of every living thing is in the hand of God. ~Job 12:10

Special Needs Pet Feature: Kaylee

Posted by Barbara Techel


What is your pet’s name?

Kaylee

How old is your pet?

Kaylee is about 7 years old.

Where did you get your pet?

We adopted Kaylee from Remember Me Ranch Rescue, Baraboo, WI in June of 2011, where she had been since February 2011

What is your pet’s physical challenge?

Kaylee was hit by a car about three years ago, and her previous owners failed to seek medical treatment.  She has a spinal cord injury at her thoraco-lumbar junction resulting in severe sensory deficits and muscle wasting in her rear legs.  Her X-rays show subluxation of the left hip which could either be from the car accident, or possibly hip dysplasia.   She isn’t always quite sure where that left leg is! Happily, after a few months of rehab, her prognosis is much better than we ever expected. At the rehab clinic, Kaylee walks perfectly on an underwater treadmill and gets laser treatments to reduce inflammation and pain. She also has lots of exercises and stretches at home to build strength and decrease her sensory deficits. She has gone from crawling 90% of the time to walking 90% of the time in just four months.


What is your pet’s favorite thing to do?

Kaylee’s favorite thing is to be involved with anything her family is doing. She is delighted to go on car rides when we run errands, be in the yard while I’m gardening, or just curl up and watch TV.  It must have broken her heart to be cast outside and ignored by her previous family.


What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?

Kaylee loves the dried liver treats she gets at her rehab clinic. They are a good distraction during exams and an excellent motivator during exercises.

What do you love most about your pet?

Just looking at Kaylee makes me smile.  Even with all of the challenges and neglect Kaylee has faced, she still embraces life to the fullest.  And that is a good lesson for all of us!

What has your pet most taught you?

Kaylee is the perfect example of how resilient rescue dogs can be.  After being tied out and ignored for three years with her crippling injury and additional medical problems (embedded collar, Lyme Disease, UTI, and rotting teeth), Kaylee radiates joy and love.  I’m so lucky to be her mom!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve made it my mission to seek out senior and special needs pets to adopt from shelters and rescues.  I know these animals will wait the longest to find homes—if they ever find one at all.   And I’ve never been disappointed—being a “rescue mom” has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Visit Kaylee at her blog.

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

Special Needs Pet Feature: Sweet Pea (Up for Adoption Soon)

Posted by Barbara Techel

When I got an email from Dona of Dachshund Resuce of North America about this dear little girl, my heart broke for what happened to her. I’m so thankful though that Dona got her out of her horrible situation so she can find a new home with people who love her. She will need lots of love and extra care, but perhaps you just might have room in your home for her?  She will be available for adoption soon!

 

What is your pet’s name?

Sweet Pea

How old is your pet?

About 2 yrs. old.

Where did you get your pet?

She was confiscated from an abusive family.

What is your pet’s physical challenge?

After being thrown down a laundry chute by some children, she sustained a ruptured disc and was paralyzed in her rear legs.

What is your pet’s favorite thing to do?

She loves being held about all the time.  But she also likes playing with other dogs and with stuffed toys.

What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat? 

Anything!  When rescued, she was also starved and emaciated.  So eating is a passion for her.


What do you love most about your pet? 

Her spunk and attitude.  She has Dachsitude for sure.

What has your pet most taught you?

To never give up, no matter what the circumstances.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Sweet Pea is a foster dog of mine through Dachshund Rescue of North America.  She will be available for adoption once she finishes therapy.

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***