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Why I Will Continue To Advocate for IVDD and Wheelchair Dogs

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’ve gotten so many emails since Frankie’s passing two weeks ago– all very touching– and the ones I find my heart ooze over with complete joy are the ones of people who I’ve heard from that Frankie and I have been able to help when their dog was diagnosed with IVDD– the ones we gave hope and they saw too, that they could care for their dog with IVDD– that it was not a death sentence.  It is why I will continue to advocate for IVDD and wheelchair dogs and it brings me complete happiness to help others through this.

Here is an email I got today from a woman named Staci sharing with me her story.  I’m so happy we could help give her hope.

Although I do not know exactly what to say in times like these, I felt that I should write you because your stories helped me feel so much better. 2 weeks ago, my Dachshund Clyde ruptured a disk in his spine. His back legs were paralyzed and he could not control his bladder.  I also thought, “Why is this happening to me?” Clyde is 6 years old and I had a feeling it was going to happen at some point in his life, but I just never thought it would be so sudden. It brings me to tears to even think about it.

As they told us about all the possibilities that could happen, the 2 main things I kept thinking about was, 1.) If he was in a wheel chair and could not control his bladder, he would be put to sleep or 2.)  He could be in a wheel chair for the rest of his life and I could not come to grips with that. I felt like my life would never be the same if that happened. When I started to read all of your stories I started to feel very selfish because even though Clyde might have ended up in a wheel chair, I would still have him in my life and that meant more to me than anything. I felt that I should write you as you are going through this rough time to tell you that ya’lls stories and encouraging words helped me understand that just because he might have ended up in a wheel chair, I would still have him and he would still love us no matter what happened. Clearly, this was the case with Frankie as well. Although she has passed, she will live on forever. I just wanted to thank you, with your stories you helped me overcome something very difficult.

I’ll continue to help who I can through those reaching out to me via email or phone with their dogs diagonosed with IVDD.  And I’ll continue to share with them Dodgerslist, a caring and dedicated organization who help educate others about this disease, as well as, share Eddie’s Wheels as one of the best dog wheelchair companies out there.

A New Wheelie Dog In Town!

Posted by Barbara Techel

There’s a new wheelie dog in town! Well at least in the town not far from me. Her name is Kahlua or a.k.a. Miss Lu or Tink. She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor August 25th. She was given two months to live. Yup, count it out on your fingers, Christmas Day will be four months since her diagnoses. She is still pretty much the same, though her mom feels somewhat improved.

Because of the brain tumor this has affected her back legs and walking. Other than that, you wouldn’t know she has a brain tumor. Kahlua’s mom knows me well since she makes all my Frankie t-shirts and tote bags. So she knew getting Miss Lu a wheelchair was a viable option.

Miss Lu stopped over today to show us her new wheels from Eddie’s Wheels! She is still adjusting to them, but we hope in no time she will be buzzing around fast as a speeding bullet.

As far as her brain tumor, well we continue to pray for her and ask if you could send a little prayer to the big guy upstairs too. She’s a miracle so far with almost outliving her 2 month prognosis. We love you, Kahlua!

Dog Wheelchairs can Lead to “Spinal Walking” in IVDD Dogs

Posted by Barbara Techel

When Frankie was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006, in my mind at the time, the only option was for her to walk on her own again without a wheelchair. It was my plan B and I didn't want to have to do it.  Not because I didn't want to help her, but because I couldn't bear to think she would not walk on her own again.

I'm so glad I realized the benefit of a wheelchair and found Eddie's Wheels to have her custom fitted for one because over the years her "walking" has improved. She may not walk like a regular dog and still needs the help of her wheelchair for standing and longer walks or playing in the yard, but she has a happy, quality life… and that was the goal.

I'm a strong believer in Eddie's Wheels for the fact that they support the long length of a dachshund's spine and because of the custom fit so their backs have the best chance at healing.

Frankie does not "spinal walk" but rather "spinal hops."  The times she does do this is always around feeding time.  She LOVES to eat!  Otherwise she pulls herself along on our hardwood floor when not in her wheelchair.

But for anyone trying to make a decsion about a wheelchair, I'd encouarge you to call or email Eddie's Wheels and talk with them.  They are so helpful and caring and will do all they can to put your mind at ease and help make the life of your disabled pet a happy one.

So check out their video on Clark, a dachshund with a wheelchair, who started to show movement in his legs after using his Eddie's Wheels wheelchair.

 

And as you can see, Clark does not even notice his wheels with his nose busy in the ground doing what dachshunds love to do best!

Read more about Eddie's Wheels and how they are helping IVDD dogs "spinal walk" as well as, in some cases, fully walk on their own again.

Why Frankie and I recommend Eddie's Wheels: