Thank you to Raquel Wynn, radio show host, author, certified personal trainer and animal massage therapist for helping us spread our positive message about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) by interviewing me on her radio show.
dodgerslist
Five Years and Still Going Strong Living With IVDD
Today marks the 5th anniversary since my little Frankie “went down” as it is referred to when a dog can no longer walk and is diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
And so began a mission I became so passionate about that I knew if I didn’t pursue it, I would regret it at the end of my life- my mission to educate others that animals with disabilities deserve a chance at living a quality life. From that mission, sprang another unexpected purpose which was to help children and adult’s see their challenges more positively because it was one of many lessons I learned from Frankie.
For me, the day that call came that Frankie went down, was one of the most devastating moments I ever had. I still recall very vividly in my mind trying to picture what Frankie’s life would look like not being able to use her hind legs. I was 1,400 miles from home vacationing at my mom’s winter house with my husband, John when I received the call that spun my world upside down.
The surgeon gave me the news that Frankie had only a 10-30% chance of walking again even with surgery. After careful consideration, much crying, and consoling from John and my mom, I made the decision to proceed with the surgery.
Frankie when I brought her home after her surgery
You know how they say “life happens while you are busy making other plans?” That is exactly what happened. My dream of having my new lab puppy become a therapy dog and writing about those experiences was all put on hold. I was uncertain of my future because of the care I would need to now do for my handicapped dog. I was also angry and could not understand why this was happening when I had my whole life planned out, when my mom gently said to me, “Well maybe God meant for Frankie to be your therapy dog.” That one line of wisdom has unfolded into countless blessings since that fateful day five years ago.
One of my greatest lessons learned from Frankie through her healing and recovery is that it does not pay to sit too long in pity for yourself or for your dog. It is up to each of us to look for the good in the bad, find the lesson in a tough situation, and be open to a new path ahead. I realized one day that I had a choice. I could continue to be sad and negative, or I could choose to be happy and positive, and be open to the blessings that may reveal themselves. Oh, how glad I am that I got that message and changed my attitude, because you see, once I did, everything fell right into place.
Photo taken one year after Frankie’s IVDD diagnoses- joyful and full of life rolling in the grass!
Frankie has also taught me patience, which I am still learning, and still need to be reminded of now and then. But I’m happy to say I seem to be catching on quite well to that lesson. My life is much calmer because of it.
One of Frankie’s biggest teachings was to follow my heart and not be afraid. She has taught me to push past the fear. Watching her fly about in her wheelchair, carefree and content, is a constant reminder to me to be who I am without worry what others think. Frankie does not care that her back legs don’t work so well, nor does she mind being a dog in a wheelchair.
I still get incredibly sad when someone puts their pet to sleep because they can’t bear to see their pet “like that.” I’ve gotten stronger in expressing to others that pets don’t take pity on themselves, and really it is not any different than if a human loses the loss of their limbs. The difference is that we humans have a much harder time accepting the reality of that loss, where pets accept, and move forward, and we would never give one thought to putting a human to sleep because they became paralyzed. So changing the mindset of others in the same way for animals is something I strive to do with compassion, patience, understanding, and love.
Today I don’t grieve for the past of what have might have been. Instead I celebrate the gift of that fateful day that opened me up, and through Frankie’s eyes I saw life in full bloom with opportunities and blessings growing in every direction. I don’t know how I will ever thank Frankie for all she has taught me, but giving her at least one thousand kisses and hugs a day, I have a feeling she just may know.
I love you my little dog on wheels… my ambassador of inspiration… my constant shining light as my reminder to see the world with compassion and love. XO
Should your dog ever be diagnosed with IVDD or you know of a dog that has, please let others know about these wonderful resources:
Dodgerslist is an organization dedicated to helping people whose pets have been diagnosed with IVDD. They have a DVD for only $3.00 that is a must to buy and educate yourself should your dog ever be faced with this diagnoses. I encourage you to get it NOW and know your options, as there are many options to help your dog live a long, happy, and quality life.
Eddie’s Wheels is a dog wheelchair company that truly live their life’s work and mission. Their motto is: We test our products on Animals – speaks to the over 20 years of sharing their lives with disabled pets. They continue to take each order individually with careful attention to making sure the cart will serve each pet’s level of disability. Their well-trained and experienced staff still design and build each cart by hand with the dog’s name on it. They continue to be moved by the stories from their customers who tell them about their soul companions and feel privileged to be part of their lives.
And if Frankie could talk I have no doubt her motto is this to us:
Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling!!
New Website to Help Disabled Animals
I was so delighted to come across this new website, Disabled Animal dedicated to helping special needs animals find a home, as well as a resource page, that is expanding as the website gains more awareness. If you are looking to bring a special needs pet into your life, this page might help you do just that.
When I discovered the website through a post on Facebook from Eddie’s Wheels, I was touched to learn the website is the work of a 3rd year vet student. I just had to interview her and share this with you. Part of the challenge with dogs diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the lack of education among vets and society, as to the options. Thanks to the organization, Dodgerslist and others, this is changing, but there is still much work to be done. That is why it is so wonderful to see a young vet so enthusiastic and full of heart who wants to help disabled animals. Thank you, Celine!!
Without further ado- My interview with Celine.
1. Why did you start Disabled Animal website?
I was so frustrated! I chose veterinary medicine as a career and like many others, thought that I would like to share a home and help a disabled animal. I started to do research on my options and decided that I would like a wheelchair dog to adopt. It spoke to me. After deciding I started to look and to my surprise… they weren’t easy to search for! I was astounded at this and got to the point of where I was literally cold calling to California from Georgia looking for one to adopt. I hung up the phone, decided that was enough, and within five minutes was working on the website so that others wouldn’t have to do what I did.
2. What is it about disabled animals that you want people to know?
I want people to know that they really aren’t broken. I go to school every day learning how to treat medical problems and many of them simply take a pill for them to be able to live a normal life. There are so many advances in veterinary medicine that pets are living longer and are able to be helped more than ever. A wheelchair dog can still live a normal life with an aid, too. No legs? No problem! They’re still capable of loving to me!
3. When you are done with college and in practice as a vet how will you bring positive awareness to special needs pets?
I am done with vet school in May of 2012 and I would like to be a personal veterinarian. What I mean by that is that I’d rather not be a drive-thru clinic. I would like to get to know these pet parents and be able to connect with them and be a resource for their special needs pets. Depending on the need, there may need to be modifications to techniques such as training and that information can be hard to find.
4. I see on your website you are looking for a two-legged dog to adopt. Why a two-legged dog?
Actually, I just want a medium to small wheelchair dog. I called a rescue for one without back legs but he was set out to be adopted the next day. They informed me of one that was missing the front two legs and I got attached. Sadly, the foster parents said that I would not be considered for adoption due to the fact that I was going to have children and they thought that he needed someone at home for the majority of the day. That’s really the only reason – I honestly wouldn’t mind one with all four legs attached as long as they are in a wheelchair.
5. What do you think animals with special needs teach us?
To live life! Have you ever seen a special needs pet wallow in their own sorrow? No. I believe that humans tend to think about themselves too much sometimes and feel as though they can’t do much because of a disability. Wrong. These pets are still smiling, still wagging their tails if they can. Carpe diem because life’s too short to be unhappy.
6. What advice can you offer those wanting to adopt a special needs pet?
Do your research. Don’t look at an animal and think, “oh, you’re cute because you have paralysis,” and not know what you are getting into. You don’t need to adopt one just because you feel pity. Animal ownership is a big responsibility and it shouldn’t be taken lightly regardless of whether they are normal or disabled. With that said, adopting a disabled animal can be an incredibly rewarding experience even if you haven’t owned one before.
7. Anything else you’d like to share?
Absolutely. A big thank you to my fiance Chris as he has helped me through my vet school years so far. I am indebted to him for all of the support he has given me. GO DAWGS and UGA VET MED!