It’s not too often that I get updates on disabled dogs that the Frankie Wheelchair Fund has been able to help with a wheelchair – but when I do – oh, how it makes my day!
Suzanne, who cares for dear, sweet Canelo sent me these beautiful photos that clearly show that Canelo is having the time of his life! All the photos were taken by professional photographer, Maria Oakar of My Buddy Photography. What a great job she did in capturing the joy that these special dogs absolutely do experience despite their special challenges.
Soon I hope to share a photo of Dappy and Molly Mocha – two dachshunds the Frankie Wheelchair Fund recently granted funds to have custom wheelchairs built by Eddie’s Wheels, which makes 58 dogs the fund has been able to help to date. So stay tuned….and in the meantime, enjoy this gallery of Canelo pictures!
If you’d like to help disabled dogs like Canelo experience living life to the fullest who are in need of a wheelchair to do so you can donate here. Or if you are in need of help, you can fill out an application here.
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Earlier on my blog today I shared that Gidget isn’t able to use her hind legs, though after a visit to the vet, we aren’t exactly sure why. She’s not new to IVDD having been “down” before and rehabilitated by the rescue I adopted her from. And since I’ve gotten her she’s never fully walked “normally” but with a wobbly walk. But she is pretty much completely down in the hind quarters once again.
After I shared the post to Facebook about this, I received a note from Kim who runs Hotdog Hill Sanctuary in Virginia where she cares for disabled dachshunds, many with IVDD.
She shared a recent article she came across about the culture shift in veterinarian medicine regarding treatment of animal spinal cord injuries and disc disease. I felt it worthy passing along the article. Just click on the link here:
While I’m not an expert or a veterinarian, I have had my share of experience with three dachshunds with IVDD, as many of you know.
This newest information makes sense to me. And as Kim also stated via our discussion on Facebook having much more experience than me, “You know with so many- each different- we have to change up our routine to meet them- some get too stressed by crate/pen rest and it did more harm than good thrashing around, etc- – we know our dogs best and we have to use our experience too.”
With my recent episode with Gidget not walking again I must say also that I realized again how education is key. I was able to deal with this much more calmly as I know my options. I also feel I know Gidget best and what will, and won’t, serve her. I think this is crucial.
I’ve also come to accept that sometimes no matter what one does, the outcome may be the same. Being paralyzed isn’t a terrible thing and I do believe the stigma is becoming less and less. At least I hope so.
From my experience, paralyzed dogs don’t realize they can’t use their hind legs. It’s really no big deal to them. They continue to live life just like they did before. I’ve found often it is much harder for their care taker to handle it. And yes, I can personally speak to the fact that I didn’t want to accept this when my first dachshund went down. Oh! Did I learn a lot and I’m so grateful!
Another factor in sharing this article is that as always, I want to give hope to others who may face this with their pet. There are options! It just takes a little research, talking with your vet, determining your pet’s specific needs, patience, and most of all love.
I know so often people who are facing a pet with paralysis have carried a huge amount of guilt that they couldn’t afford surgery. But clearly, there are many ways in which you can help your pet. There is hope!
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Roo was found as a young pup who hadn’t eaten in a long time and also in very bad shape. So bad, it resulted in the need to have his front limbs amputated.
Roo’s journey was just beginning as then he found his way to a very kind woman with a huge heart named Joanne who lives in the UK.
I learned of Roo when Joanne posted a link to Roo’s Facebook page on my page for National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. She was working hard to raise the funds to help get Roo a wheelchair and sharing his story wherever she could.
Something in Roo’s eyes called out to me. I knew without a second guess that I wanted to use donations from the Frankie Wheelchair Fund to get Roo up and running.
But when I contacted Joanne she advised that Roo first needed therapy and she was also being given advice from the rescue from where she adopted Roo.
But I waited it out and told her that I’d really like to help and pay for Roo’s wheelchair so the money she raised to date could go towards Roo’s continued therapy and care.
And we eventually had a deal! Joanne has been so gracious and grateful for the help for Roo.
And it’s been a joy to be a part of Roo’s continued healing journey.
His wheelchair just arrived earlier this week and he is slowly learning to use them. Sometimes a dog that has gone most of his life without limbs, such as Roo has since a puppy, they take a bit longer to get used to a wheelchair than a dog who has walked for most of his life and then is in the need of a wheelchair for various reasons.
But I see determination in Roo’s eyes and I feel only love and patience from Joanne — what a team they are and no doubt Roo will be running and playing soon on the beach near his home where he loves to go.
Roo makes the 56th dog the Frankie Wheelchair Fund has helped! You can see all the dogs given the gift of mobility because of continued donations from others here.
To learn more about the Frankie Wheelchair Fund and how you can donate or apply for help, please visit our website.
