dog spinal injuries

Special Needs Pet Feature: Meet Sailor

Posted by Barbara Techel
I used to do a special needs feature of the month on my blog and featured some wonderful pets.  Recently I heard from Danielle. Her dog Sailor become paralyzed over a year ago.  So it has been one year since Sailor had his wheels and she emailed me a picture of him and the questionnaire I always had people fill out who had a special needs pet.  So I hope you enjoy hearing about Sailor today!  I sure did!
1. What is your pets name?
Sailor
2. How old is your pet?
Six
3.Where did you get your pet?
He came from a breeder in Arizona.
4. What is your pet’s physical challenge?
He has IVDD and is paralyzed from T12 down. He cannot walk with his hind legs or go to the bathroom on his own.
5. What is your pet’s favorite thing to do?
Hang out on the docks and play with his brother Sammy (a 5 year old dorkie. Part dachshund and part yorkie) and his girlfriend Millie (a 2 year old yorkie) chasing ducks around the marina.
6. What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?
Anything! But if I had to pick one thing, I would say blueberries. He would do anything for a blueberry!
7. What do I love most about your pet?
That’s a tough one! I love how he likes to snuggle with me.
8. What has your pet most taught you?
Perseverance, strength, don’t look back, move on!
Danielle added in her email to me that the picture above of Sailor was taken at the Winthrop Yacht Club on July 4th. Almost exactly a year after we got his wheels. She said, “He is loving life and rolls around the docks ‘owning’ them as only a dachshund can! His nickname around the marina is “hot rod” or as sometimes I like to say, “hell on wheels!”
Thank you so much for sharing Sailor with us, Danielle!  He is truly inspirational!

FAQ’s About Dog WheelChairs

Posted by Barbara Techel

FAQs on Dog Wheelchairs

Dog wheelchairs are necessary to help mobility-impaired and handicapped dogs cope with their conditions. Dogs are naturally active – being confined in a bed all day and not able to move will wear down their spirits and cause their bodies to waste away.

If you are interested in getting a dog cart wheelchair for your pet, here are some frequently asked questions – with answers! – on dog wheelchairs:

1. What is a dog wheelchair?

Dog or canine wheelchairs are carts for disabled dogs. Dogs with disabilities due to hip dysplasia, degenerative mylopathy, or neurology problems need additional support. Dog wheelchairs are carts designed to support and give disabled dogs their mobility back. However, instead of riding the cart, dogs are harnessed onto a frame with attached wheels.

via hubpages.com

See remaining questions here.  Great article!  One of the things I most love about Frankie's wheelchair from Eddie's Wheels is the fact it has kept her muscle tone strong by using it as her therapy cart, just as this article talks about.