special needs dogs

Gidget Update: Living in the Moment

Posted by Barbara Techel
Gidget Update: Living in the Moment
Gidget Update: Living in the Moment

Today Gidget and I celebrate ninety days without her having a seizure. She is also just about back to walking on her own as she was before.

The potassium bromide rendered her back legs unable to work for a few weeks when I started her on it. But with the help of what was Frankie, and then Joie’s wheelchair, which became Gidget’s wheels, was good therapy to keep her muscles strong as the meds evened out in her system.

She still has her little trip up moments with her back legs criss-crossing or her little endearing wobbly walk – but that is how she was when I adopted her – so she is back to what we consider “normal” for her.

I understand that seizures can return at anytime, but it’s not what I try not to focus on. Instead I’m choosing to focus on all the good days she has had. And that she is back to her silly, playful, independent, endearing little self.

I soak it all in and tell her every chance I get how much I love her. There are no guarantees, this I know. But there are no guarantees no matter what and it’s just another lesson that living in the moment is all we have.

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My Friend Sassy of LoveyLoaves & WagAware Campaign

Posted by Barbara Techel

sassy

I’ve long admired the tireless work LoveyLoaves sanctuary does – a place just for dogs with special needs.

Like Sassy in the photo above, born without back legs. She’s been through a lot, but with the love and nurturing from Lovey Loaves, she not only survives, but is thriving.

When not being all silly for the camera, she has a set of wheels which she is super fast in and loves to use for exploring.

My way of spreading the word about their good work is letting you know of a special campaign they are doing right now.

And it’s a cool charm that you can get for your dog or perhaps your keychain!

WagAware makes these fun, glow in the dark charms with a portion of the proceeds benefiting help for many animals and different organizations around the world.  From now through 9/20, 50% of the profits will go to Lovey Loaves.

So if you want to help a special needs dog and get a cool charm for your dog, do check it out today!

 

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Bialy, Special Needs Ambassador Dog Passes Away. Leaves Legacy with Special Foundation in her Name.

Posted by Barbara Techel

BialyEvery week on my Facebook page for National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day I feature a special needs wheelie dog as the cover model for the week. I’ve got photos lined up for quite a few weeks out. It warms my heart each week as I look to see who will be featured next, always bringing a smile to my face.

But today, as I prepared to share the next special dog in the line up as our cover model, I discovered going to Bialy’s page that she had recently passed away on June 19th. Erin, Bialy’s mom, still wanted me to share Bialy. I was very happy to do so, adding that I’d also share Bialy with you, my readers of my blog.

Like Frankie, Bialy’s legacy is living on in a foundation Erin has started in her memory. The Bialy Wellness Foundation will help other special needs animals with supplies, therapy and resources to help them live the best quality of life they can. I think this is pretty darn special.

From Bialy’s foundation page:

Bialy was found as a stray just before Christmas 2012. She was about 2 months old, had been severely abused with a wound on her neck and a fracture in T11 vertebrae. Bialy’s back legs were completely rigid and would not bend. Secondhand Snoots Rescue took her in to their adoption program, the Lucida Puppy Fund sponsored her veterinary care and Erin Kowalski, a canine massage therapist fostered her. The first vet she saw said she would never walk again because Bialy had little to no voluntary reflex. After seeking out consultation with a neurologist Bialy was put in a splint as her back healed. During that time Erin began performing up to 3 hours of massage daily on Bialy.  Read the rest here as well as see Bialy’s inspiring video.

Though her life cut short, the love and care she received is truly beautiful. To also have this legacy of helping other special needs dogs is so inspiring. It is my hope, that in time, Erin’s heart will heal as she carries on this special mission of helping more dogs because of her love for Bialy. All my best to Erin and those that loved Bialy so very dearly.