spinal injuries

Replay of The Petcast Radio Show: A Disabled Pets Special Joys

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

If you missed my interview with The Petcast I would encourage you to listen and help me spread a positive message about animals with disabilities.  It is episode #260 “A Disabled Pets Special Joys” and is currently right on the home page.

Receiving notice that the replay was available came just at the right time.  Over the weekend I was feeling more sensitive to the question people would ask of me when they saw Frankie which was, “What is wrong with your dog?”  The word wrong really struck a chord.  It really hit close to the depth of my heart when a woman actually gasped and with a look on her face as if Frankie was “scary” looking as she also asked what was “wrong.”

At first I felt angry that people were being judgmental and what seemed to be ignorant.  But I also then realized how much more education is needed to let others know animals with disabilities are not weird, or strange, or “wrong.”  They are living, breathing, feeling beings.

When I did the Petcast radio show a week or so ago and listened today I was reminded of a similar situation when a woman “friended” me on facebook and then decided to tell me I was selfish for “trapping” Frankie in a wheelchair and that it is not “natural” to help her go to the bathroom.  She is a breeder of dachshunds, so I suppose the thought of an “imperfect” dachshund was hard to bear.  No one or anything is perfect.  That is what makes us all unique and special.

Though hurt and angry for some of the words chosen directed at me about Frankie over the weekend, as well as the Facebook situation, I am reminded of all the work yet to be done.  I know in my heart I am doing the right thing.  No one will ever sway me from that.  I feel it deep in my soul.  But I am human, and at times, it hurts.  And part of it is feeling like a mama bear wanting to protect her cub from any hurt.

So do listen if you can to the PetCast and help share the message and radio show with others so we can continue to show others how special these animals truly are.

National Dog Week- Help Us Celebrate Disabled Pets & You Could Win

Posted by Barbara Techel

Don’t you think we should have National Dog Year?  Though happy to have a week devoted to these special critters because they so deserve our love!

I need your help… so please read below… and then at the end see what you could win for helping!

Campaign:

 THERE IS HOPE!

My passion is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities, especially dachshunds diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).  There are still so many that are not aware of the hope there is for this breed when diagnosed with IVDD.  So many are told there is no hope and their dog must be put to sleep.  I am here to tell you that a doxie with this diagnoses CAN live a quality life.  Frankie is living proof, along with oodles of others.

 

Sadly many are still being put down. I just learned of another doxie needlessly put to sleep last night because they were told there was no hope.  It broke my heart beyond any words I can say.  Please, during this week of National Dog Week help educate other dachshund owners, vets, vet clinics, etc. that there is HOPE.  Please share with them the resource of Dodgerslist which is a website dedicated to helping educate others on the options available.  You can print out brochures to give to your local vet clinics or to those you know have a doxie.

 

If your doxie is diagnosed with IVDD it is imperative that they have IMMEDIATEcrate rest and get to a vet specializing in IVDD asap.  See Dodgerslist for more Emergency FAQ’s and please pass along.

The cost for surgery may not be an option for many due to various reasons but there is conservative treatment which often times works.  Frankie had the surgery, followed by physical therapy and now in her wheelchair.  She has made leaps and bounds since being fitted for her wheelchair from Eddie’s Wheels four years ago. Her wheelchair has helped maintain her muscle tone and she can spinal walk at times without her wheels- this is huge!!  I shudder to think if I had made the fatal mistake of putting her to sleep.

So what’s in it for you?  How can you help?  It is easy! Just forward this post to any dachshund owner, vet, or vet clinic you know to help educate others that IVDD is not a death sentenceand that there are many options available ( I don’t need proof as I will just trust that you do).  Post it on your Facebook or Twitter about it or if you have a blog post a link back to this information. Or print out the brochure from Dodgerslist  website and give to your vet or doxie owner you may know. Just let me know that you did in the comment section and I will enter your name into a drawing to win:

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series

(Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, Frankie Activity Workbook)

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog T-shirt

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog pin– EXCLUSIVE!

Dachshund magnet set

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Tote Bag

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Poster

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Stickers

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog book, by Dana Hilton

(thank you to Sparkles for donating your book- you are a great friend!)

Almost Perfect:  Disabled Pets & the People Who Love Them by Mary Shafer

(thank you so much Mary for donating a copy of your beautiful book!)

Donation made in your name to Dodgerslist

$150 value!!  Drawing will be held Sunday, May 9th.

Thank you, during this week of National Dog Week, in helping to save the lives of dachshunds whose lives are often cut short due to a diagnoses of IVDD.

With your help we can make a difference and save their lives. 

Thank you so much for passing this on!