special needs dachshunds

Forever Friends in Spirit. Puppy Picasso & Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. A Book Review & Remembrance.

It’s like Dee Dee Murry and her dog Hallie, and me and my dog, Frankie, lived parallel lives.

While my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and was ultimately fitted for a custom dog wheelchair, and learned to move through the world in a new way, and became known as Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Hallie became blind and learned to navigate the world in her own unique way too and would become a star in her own right also and become known as Puppy Picasso.

Standing beside these two pint-sized dogs were two women— each determined to do whatever they could to help their furry companions live a quality of life. From that, each found a purpose and a calling they couldn’t deny. All four would ultimately positively affect the lives of thousands of others through the sharing of their stories to inspire and encourage young and old through difficult times.

When Dee Dee contacted me asking if I’d consider reviewing the book she was writing to share the story of Hallie— Puppy Picasso the true story of a little blind dog who could paint— I was beyond honored. The journey we each walked separately with our pups, but together in a bond that will never be broken, was something I wasn’t about to turn away from.

I knew reading Hallie’s story would bring back memories of my life with Frankie and would likely cause some tears to be shed, but I also knew that I’d likely be reminded of the joy, rewards, and love that can be encountered when we open to see our challenges in a positive way through the eyes of our animal friends.

And I wasn’t wrong. There were tears mixed in with smiles and giggles, but most of all, a depth of connection and understanding that I had relating to what Dee Dee and Hallie went through and how it ultimately and profoundly changed both their lives for the better.

The love between a human and a pet is an extraordinary experience that has the potential to change one’s life in unimaginable ways. Such is the deeply enriching and touching story of Hallie, the blind dachshund who learns to paint, and her devoted human and artistic mom, Dee Dee. Their story of triumph in the face of adversity will open a tender place in your heart. Not only do they each flourish despite obstacles, but they find a way in which to give back to dogs in need, and forever and positively change the lives of countless others—both canine and human. There is nothing the human spirit can’t do with a furry friend as your guide and champion!

Dee Dee and Hallie’s book is available here on Amazon.

To learn more about Dee Dee and her exquisite animal art and pet portraits visit her website here.

XO

Barb

                  

Extra Bonus When Doing Water Therapy with Gidget for Her Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

2013-12-29 09.05.13Gidget loves her “pool” time. Shhhh, don’t tell her she’s in a bathtub and not a big, luxurious pool. She dosen’t seem to notice the difference.

There isn’t a rehab water therapy facility near where I live to be able to take her for therapy, so this is the next best thing. When the tub is full, I call her and she comes running. She has no qualms about me putting her in the water.

She caught onto the drill quite fast. I have small, low calorie treats I use to get her to walk from one end of the tub to the other. I also have a rubber mat along the bottom to help her with better traction.  This girl will do just about anything for treats so she is happy to do her exercise’s.

It’s so fun to see her wade back and forth in the water. Doing water therapy for her helps keep the muscles in her legs strong, so she can continue to walk and get stronger even though she has IVDD.

The extra bonus of this is I feel like it is a special bonding time between us. I love to cheer her on as she makes strides back and forth in the water.

After she has done a couple of rounds of “laps” I do some range of motion exercises with her hing legs. It’s also a great time to soap her up so she is squeaky clean though I don’t do that every session.

When she is done with her water therapy, I wrap her in a towel and gently pat her down. She then waddles over in front of the woodstove, crawls into her weenie pocket blanket and falls asleep.

A happy, content doxie makes for a happy, content doxie mom.

To learn more about water therapy visit this link on Dodgerslist website.  They have tons of great articles and information on helping dogs with IVDD.

There are many things we can do at home for our pets with IVDD as long as we do them correctly. It saves on time and money, as well as it really is a wonderful way to bond with your pet.

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This is What Makes My Heart Complete.

2013-11-16_18.46.50 eLooking at this picture John took of Gidget and me last night, I imagine this is what it feels like for mom’s with newborn babies.  I never really wanted kids, but when I see a picture like this of myself with a doxie in my arms, I have no doubt this is my calling.

Gidget has adjusted to her new home with us as if this was the place she was heading for all this time. She marches her little butt around here as if she has been here for years. She seems to fit in so naturally. It is quite amazing to witness.  She also passed the test with flying colors of being a wonderful little napper with me on the sofa. She does snore a bit loud now and then, but ah heck, music to my ears.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed her in your comments on my previous blog post– as well as in emails and on Facebook.  You have simply blown me away by all the love and support!!  Wow!

Some have asked how Kylie is liking Gidget.  I’m so happy to say Kylie is the best– well, I always knew she was.  But she sniffed Gidget the minute I got her home, then laid down and watched Gidget check out the kitchen.  I swear if I could have read her mind this is what she said, “Well, it’s about time!”

Kylie, from day one, has always gone with the flow of things. She is a remarkable dog with a huge heart.  She also knows that a female doxie is the Queen of the household and I do believe, like John and I, she is so happy the Queen has arrived.  Hail to Queen Gidget!