Life As a Semi-Retired Inspirational Dog Begins

Yesterday I announced the official beginning of my semi-retirement, so as you can see today I jumped right into my new part time "job." It's tough being a dog lounging around in my mom's writing studio as she clicks away on the keyboard. But I do think I'm up for the challenge. ARF!

Have no fear though, I am still doing appearances and would love to visit your school or library- just be sure to get on my calendar early as my mom is making sure I live a balanced life. Good Mom.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Sweet Pea (Up for Adoption Soon)

When my mom and I got an email from Dona of Dachshund Resuce of North America about this dear little girl, our heart's broke for what happened to her. We are so thankful though that Dona got her out of her horrible situation so she can find a new home with people who love her. She will need lots of love and extra care, but perhaps you just might have room in your home for her?  She will be available for adoption soon!

What is your pet's name?
Sweet Pea

How old is your pet?
About 2 yrs. old.

Where did you get your pet?
She was confiscated from an abusive family.

What is your pet's physical challenge?
After being thrown down a laundry chute by some children, she sustained a ruptured disc and was paralyzed in her rear legs.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
She loves being held about all the time.  But she also likes playing with other dogs and with stuffed toys.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
Anything!  When rescued, she was also starved and emaciated.  So eating is a passion for her.


What do you love most about your pet? 
Her spunk and attitude.  She has Dachsitude for sure.

What has your pet most taught you?
To never give up, no matter what the circumstances.

Anything else you’d like to share? 
Sweet Pea is a foster dog of mine through Dachshund Rescue of North America.  She will be available for adoption once she finishes therapy.

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

My mom and I were overwhelmed with joy at the response to our request to simply donate $1.00 to Dodgerslist in exchange for an entry into the many prizes we gave away during Frankie's birthday bash.

We mailed the big fat check to Dodgerslist yesterday!  And here is the video announcing how much we collected in donation because of many people and their generosity.  Thank you so much!!

YES, Your Dog CAN Live A Great Quality Life.... Even with IVDD

What an arf-a-roo fantastic article (below) about how dogs live quality lives even with IVDD.  As you know, if you have been following me on my blog, IVDD has not stopped me from living a happy, fulfilling life. I've taught my mom alot since my diagnoses five years ago... and one of our biggest missions is to teach others to not to take pity on an animal with IVDD or any animal with special needs.... just love them, love them with all your heart... and you will see the world before you unfold in the most amazing way.

Now, onto the article....

Often, the question of quality of life comes up when a dog is diagnosed with IVDD. Are you struggling with that question right now?  READ MORE

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Benny

 
How old is your pet?
6 years old

Where did you get your pet?
Nextdaypets.com (I got him for a discounted price he was the runt of the liter)


What is your pets physical challenge?
Benny is now paralyzed from about the waste down. He uses a wheel chair to run around in and he also has a drag bag for when he is not in his wheels. His wheels I got from Eddie's Wheels. The Drag Bag was from Handicappedpets.com.


What is your pets favorite thing to do?
Play with his brother Canoli and his family.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?
Pasta! Hey were Italian =)

What do you love most about your pet?
His will to live. He motovates me.


What has your pet most taught you?
How to be strong. That no matter what happens in your life that disables you. To keep going. Try harder. Never give up faith.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Alot of Dachshunds suffer from IVDD. They do not have homes or people to take care of them. Its very sad to see most people will just put the dog down when really they can live a happy healthy life. Just like anything its tuff at first but after you learn how to take care of them properly it's just like having a normal dog. The only difference is you have to assist them going to the bathroom which takes 5 minutes out of your time. With a normal dog you would still need to take those 5 minutes by walking him/her outside if not longer. The last thing would be putting him in his wheels to run around. For all you Doxie lovers out there give a Doxie with IVDD some care. =)
 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Peanut

What is your pets name?

Peanut

How old is your pet?

11yrs old

Where did you get your pet?

Several years ago we got a call from Ann, a vet tech from Dr. Roy’s Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists Clinic about a dachshund needing rescue because his owners were unable to finish his rehab because of health problems of their own. We were already fairly experienced with IVDD dogs, having experience with our Dahti & Chickie and unlimited help from people on the Dodgerslist forums.

What is your pets physical challenge?

IVDD, a disc disease common to dachshunds.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Sleep & Eat. Peanut is retired here at our house along with our two other IVDD dachshunds Dahti & Chickie. He enjoys going outside and just sitting in his favorite spot and just watching the world go by.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Peanut can be a little bit picky, but loves his little treats of pieces of pumpernickel bread.

What do you love most about your pet?

He is a happy-go-lucky little guy who has worked his way into our hearts.

What has your pet most taught you?

How to persevere. He doesn’t let his handicap get in his way.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When we got Peanut he was overweight, a little over 24lbs, way too much for a ‘tweenie’ dachshund. He was only two weeks post-op and still not able to use his back legs. We kept him on crate rest for another eight weeks, only allowed out to pee & poo and to get massage on his hind legs and hips. After the crate rest he began water therapy to strengthen his muscles. We also got his weight down to 18lbs. One day while drinking water he just stood up on his own! Peanut is never going to be 100%,he walks a little wobbly but sure can run when he wants to, especially when dinner is being served! 

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Chickie

What is your pets name?
Chickie

How old is your pet?
Approximately 13yrs old

Where did you get your pet?
We took her out of a bad situation after a friend called us about her needing rescue.


What is your pets physical challenge?
IVDD. Her back legs are paralyzed and she requires a cart to be mobile. Chickie does have bowel control but requires her bladder to be expressed several times a day and is diagnosed with chronic UTI which we monitor daily. Chickie did not always have IVDD, it came on her one day and even though she had surgery she never got the use of her hind legs again.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?
She loves to ‘boogie’, that is the code word we ask her if she wants to get in her cart and join the others.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?
Anything & everything! We are talking about a dachshund!

What do you love most about your pet?
I can get her all set up in the chair with me and she starts to look around the room for one of her toys and I have to get them all one at a time until she decides which one she wants. It’s usually one of the last ones I bring. I often tell her she is ‘a ghra mo chroi’, which is Irish for ‘love of my heart’

What has your pet most taught you?
Commitment. We knew we were going to do whatever we had to do to give Chickie a decent quality of life. We have also learned how intelligent they can be when worked with. Oh, also how to clean up poop.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Chickie actually named herself. When we first got her she would follow my wife around always wanting to be picked up and held. So one day BJ picked up Pepper and asked her if she was ‘my little chick-a-dee’? Well, she got all excited so BJ asked her again and the same reaction! So that name stuck and she has been Chickie ever since that day. Chickie is also one of many little ambassadors for Dodgerslist, a website and support group for people with pets that suffer from IVDD. We incorporate her cart into her costumes to bring attention to her disability and show that many handicapped pets can have a decent quality of life. Many people remember her and tell us they look forward to what costume she will be wearing each Halloween.

Keep on rollin' Chickie!!
 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is Not a Death Sentence

Special Needs Pet Feature: Charlie

How old is your pet?

5

Where did you get your pet?

I lost my 10-year old long hair dachshund, Panama, to cancer in November 2005. My father bought Charlie for me in Mississippi in Jan. 2006 to help me get over the loss of Panama.

What is your pets physical challenge?

Charlie suffered three ruptured discs in his back the summer of 2010. He never regained use of his hind legs after back surgery. We did physcial therapy and he saw a doggie chiropractor for 3 months after surgery. We got him a custom wheelchair from Eddie's Wheels. He can now go outside and enjoy life!

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

When Charlie was in the animal hospital for 10-days he got spoiled to can food. I now have to mix canned food with is dry food or he will not eat. He also loves when we do take out from Outback! On my days off work I make him a scrambled egg with cheese. As most doxies, he loves to eat!

What do you love about your pet?

I love Charlie's spirited soul! He has never let his physcial challenges keep him down. He is happy and loves life. Ove the holidays we visited relatives in Mississippi. My aunt and uncle have both recently battled cancer. My Uncle Wallace says that Charlie is an inspiration to him. That if Charlie can handle what he has been dealt with such spirit and love for life, he can also deal with his health issues.

What has your pet most taught you?

Charlie has taught me patience. After his accident, I did not know if I was up to the challenge of taking care of a disabled pet. I knew I had to learn, as putting him down was never an option for me. It has been a major life change, but so worth every minute.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Just that if you are ever faced with making a decision for a disabled pet, do your research first. There is so much information on the Internet to help pet owners learn how to take care of these pets. Dodgerslist was so helpful for me.

Thank you, Charlie's Mom for sharing Charlie with us.  Wow, I could relate to everything you said!

***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

Special Needs Pet Feature: Cassidy

What is your pet's name? 

Cassidy

How old is your pet? 

1 1/2 years old

Where did you get your pet? 

A lady contacted me and said, one of her dachshund puppies was born blind and asked if I would take it, because they wouldn't be able to sell her like that.  They bred to dapples together and that is the result.

What is your pet's physical challenge?  

Completely blind.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do? 

She likes to play with her siblings, go for car rides and play at the bike trail.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 

Pumpkin or Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Cubes.

What do you love most about your pet?  

She is VERY loving and VERY brave.

What has your pet most taught you? 

That you don't have to be perfect....that you don't have to see love, to feel it.  And that a disability doesn't have to hinder you, from living and loving life.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

Cassidy is quite an inspiration.  Everyone that meets her, cannot believe she is even blind....she is courageous, outgoing and loves everyone....yes, I think she is amazing! 

Such beautiful, beautiful photos of darling, Cassidy!  I'm so glad you shared her with me and my readers.

***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

Special Needs Pet Feature: Cagney

What is your pets name?

Cagney Brandon Ku’Ulako Holste J

How old is your pet?

He lived to be just a few months shy of 13 years old.

Where did you get your pet?

From a family in Hawaii whose two doxies had puppies

What is your pets physical challenge?

He had IVDD…lost the use of his back legs at age 6

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Cagney LOVED laying on the patio in the sun…just tanning and looking around.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Rawhide bones with the jerky on the outside

What do you love most about your pet?

That he was always so sweet and loving…even when he was in pain.

What has your pet most taught you?

That you really can do anything in the name of love.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When Cagney was 6 years old he lost the use of his back legs suddenly. One minute he was trotting behind me to the mail box outside our house and the next minute he was yelping in pain and I had no idea why. The following days, nights, & weeks were one long blur as Cagney had to stay at the Vet's Hospital for IVs and Xrays and all sorts of things. Sadly he did not regain the use of his legs and surgery was not an option due to the expense and the fact that the doctor only gave him a 50 - 50 chance for walking again. That never bothered Cagney though and didn't slow his pace one bit. In no time he was able to scoot all over the house using just his front legs to get from place to place. He could scoot faster than some dogs could run! I eventually got him his own set of wheels from "Doggone Wheels" and that afforded him the opportunity to go outside on the sidewalks, the patio, and even to the beach. Cagney was such a good boy and was always upbeat and happy....wanting to snuggle and give kisses or play with anyone he came into contact with. 

I cared for him and tended to his special needs, which was quite diffficult initially and heartbreaking at times....but I did it out of sheer love for that little angel. A lot of adjustments had to be made but he was worth every one of them! When I moved from Hawaii to Portland, OR in 2007 Cagney flew with me. It was his first time on a plane but he took it like a brave boy....even when the airline baggage handlers "lost" him at one point. About 2 hours after my flight landed I finally caught up with him going round and round on another baggage claim carousel. He was peering out of his cage as if to say, "This has been fun but I'd like to get off now, please." I was a complete wreck not knowing what had happened to him or where he was but as soon as I tracked him down and opened his kennel door he smothered me with kisses saying, "It's ok....there's nothing to worry about....I'm HERE!" 

For the next 2 years I continued to love & take care of that darling boy until, on the morning of March 31st, 2009, just as suddenly as he lost the use of his back legs, Cagney woke up and was unable to use his front legs. I took him to the Vet pretty much knowing what the outcome was going to be. There was nothing they could really do for him...and no "cure". So I had to make that VERY difficult decision and help him get to the Rainbow Bridge. I held him for so very long and just sobbed telling him I was so sorry for what I had to do....it was extremely hard and still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. But Cagney lived a very good life and brought lots of happiness to me. His "disability" taught me so very much and I thank the Lord that I had him and all the experiences that having him brought into my life.

Thank you so much, Chops, Cagney's dedicated Mom who took such good care of Cagney.  Your store resonated on so many levels for my mom and me... tears... laughter... love.  Thank you.  PS:  The picture of the two of you on the beach is absolutely priceless and needs no words as it speaks volumes.

If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Fionna McSnuggles

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her website contact. Send a photo and she will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?

Fiona McSnuggles   

How old is your pet?

Approximately five years old

Where did you get your pet?

She was adopted from the Shelby County Animal Shelter in Shelbyville, KY

What is your pet’s physical challenge?

She has no eyes. They were removed a little over a year ago since they were painful and non operational.

What is your pet’s favorite thing to do?

Snuggle time with anyone that will pick her up.

What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?

She isn’t very food motivated but likes soft treats best.

What do you love most about your pet?

The way she walks around wagging her tail, being a happy dog all the time.

What has your pet most taught you?

Nothing is impossible if you want it. She has no fear and will climb and jump all over the furniture.

Anything else you’d like to share?

She is a great example of making the best out of a bad situation. We were afraid that she would be nippy or fearful since she’s blind but she’s the happiest little dog and just wants to be loved. She’s a doll baby and so loving.  When she was originally examined by the vet in KY, the shelter was told that she had incurable cancer that would soon take her life. They took her home to live with them but she got better. When we adopted her, we still thought she had cancer since there was no follow up X-ray. My vet called with the great news-no cancer! As a matter of fact, she was incredibly healthy. My vet thinks is was severe pneumonia that was just mis-diagnosed. Lucky for her that the shelter had such a compassionate director who gave her a chance and a No Kill group that paid for her surgeries. She’s a shining example of how No Kill shelters save lives and how life is what you make of it.

Please note that Fionna McSnuggles is also a registered therapy dog providing love and joy to the elderly and patients at hospitals.  No doubt in my mind that Fionna snuggles right into the hearts of those she meets!

Southern Paws & Tails Will Make $4.00 Donation to Rolling Dog Ranch for every One Year Subscription

Arf-a-roo!  Not only is there a glowing review of our book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog in the spring 2011 issue of Southern Paws and Tails, they have offered for all my fans to help our favorite charity by donating $4.00 for every one year subscription!!  And one year subscriptions are only $12.00.

We have chosen Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary to be the recepient of this generous offer.  So if you'd like to read a wonderful magazine plus help a great cause, sign up through their website http://www.southernpawsandtails.com

Mention Joyful Paws in the comment section and $4.00 will go to Rolling Dog Ranch.

Note:  Look for: "Add special instructions to the seller" and click on change and in the comment box write Joyful Paws for them to know you subscribed through this offer for the $4.00 to be donated to Rolling Dog Ranch.

Thank you Southern Paws and Tails for your hot diggity- dog wonderful offer and for sharing an exceptional review of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog's story with your readers.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Charlotte

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her website contact.  Send a photo and she will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?

Charlotte

How old is your pet?

She was one month away from 13 on the day she passed away.

Where did you get your pet?

From a local breeder. She was my high school graduation gift. The last words out of the breeder's mouth were, "None of my dogs have ever had back problems."

What is your pets physical challenge?

She slipped two disks in her back and lost control of her back legs.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

She loved to play hide and seek with my dad and go on walks with my mom. Trips to Granny's were a special treat. She also loved to go to PetSmart. One time, my mom and I took her to pick out a new toy. As we were walking by the guinea pigs she stopped dead in her tracks. "Whoa, what are these," was the look on her face. Then she looked back at my mom as if to say, "Mom, can I get one?" And my mom replied, "No, Charlotte, you can't have a guinea pig today." People all around us laughed.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Whenever my mom would grate cheese, Charlotte would come running. Mom only gave her a tiny bit but she LOVED it.

What do you love most about your pet?

She was my best friend. I could tell her anything.

What has your pet most taught you?

She really had a "I'm so happy to be alive." attitude. More people should live that way.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Charlotte brought joy to many people. The vet would ask to have her for the day, and they would use her to educate people that pets with special needs can be happy too. One time, I had her out, and a man looked down at her then said to me, "I feel so bad for her. That's so sad." I told him don't feel sorry for her. She was very happy and I'd still put my money on her to chase cats and birds out of the yard. Her disability didn't define her, it just became a part of her. We all adapted and life was good.

Such a beautiful tribute to Charlotte!  I couldn't agree more that yes, we adapt, and life is good.  Frankie has absolutely taught me that too.  Thank you for sharing Charlotte with us!

 

Special Needs Pet Feature: Elke

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her website contact.  Send a photo and we will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?
Elke
How old is your pet?
2.5 yrs
Where did you get your pet?
Fayette Co. Humane Society
What is your pet’s physical challenge?
Paralysis in rear legs.
What is your pets favorite thing to do?
She loves to get toys and scoot around the floor with them.  She also loves belly rubs in the morning, when she first wakes up.
What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?
Well, she is on a frozen raw diet, which she loves.  And she also loves to get Bully bits to chew on.
What do you love most about your pet?
That she is a survivor. Elke was hit by a car and sustained a crushed pelvis and two broken vertebrae in her lumbar region.  She was determined to get better, and right now, she sees herself as a normal little dog.
What has your pet most taught you?
Patience and to never give up. Even when several vets told us to euthanize her, I just took one look into those eyes, and I knew she was not ready to give up.
Anything else you’d like to share? 
With all that Elke has been through, she is still a loving sweet girl.  And in her condition, she is still enjoying life.  She makes each day count, even when she is having a bad day and not feeling the best, she always has a kiss for me.  
Elke's mom, Dona serves on the board for Dachshund of North America as well as foster mom for many animals.  Please check out DRNA's website for pets needing a loving, forever home.
Thank you Elke for stopping by and a big thank you to your mom for all she does to help the animals!

Meet Allie: IVDD Does Not Stop Her From Being Spunky!

 

Allie

Last week my mom and I received a very nice email from Allie's mom, Katie.  She wrote to tell us she read my book Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and found it inspirational as well as feeling like she was reading her dog, Allie's autobiography.  She attached this photo, and of course, I fell in love!

My mom asked Katie if she would share a little about Allie so here their fun little interview:

Barbara:  How old is Allie?

Katie:  Allie is 5.  She will be 6 in June.

Barbara:  Where did you get her?

Katie:  We got Allie from Starlight Kennel in Augusta, WI

Barbara:  When did she become paralyzed?

Katie:  Allie had her first surgery just before she turned 4 in May of 2009.  She made about a 95% recovery, but then she ruptured another disc in July of 2010. If she has enough motivation, she can walk really wobbly, but she usually uses her wheels or her parents to get around.  :)

Barbara:  What is Allie's favorite thing to do?

Katie:  Allie looooooooves to bury toys under rugs, blankets, dog beds, or even boxes, and then try to dig them out. We have many torn blankets and rugs because of this habit.  :)

Barbara:  What is Allie's favorite thing to eat?

Katie:  Allie loves to eat Caesar, the wet dog food. She used to get a little with her pills every morning after her surgery, and she was hooked. I still spoil her and give her some every morning, though she's not on medication anymore.

Barbara:  What do you love most about her?

Katie:  So many things!  One thing I love that makes her unique is that she can smell a toy from a mile away.  We can hide new toys in the most obscure places, and she will sniff them out and bark at the hiding spot until we give up and give her the toy. She also loves to open presents. This past Christmas we saved all our scrap wrapping paper and wrapped up all her toys with it.  She doesn't even care that it's an old toy inside. It's 30 seconds of heaven for her just to unwrap it.

Barbara:  What has Allie taught you?

Katie:  Allie has taught me that I have more patience than I thought! Seriously, though, she taught me not to let obstacles get in your way. With a loving and supportive family to help your though it, anything is possible.

Barbara:  Wow, would I have to agree on the patience thing as Frankie has really taught me that too!  BIG GRIN.  Thank you so much, Katie for sharing your spunky, beautiful little girl, Allie with us!  We wish you and Allie the very best always!

Note:  Allie's wheelchair comes from Eddie's Wheels.  A company we believe is truly dedicated to helping animals the best way possible.

DogTipper.com and Remembering Peanut and Daisy (A Duck and A Dachshund)

This is one of the BEST stories I have ever read!  Best friends in such an "odd couple" were Peanut and Daisy.

Peanut and Daisy

I want to thank Paris Permenter of DogTipper.com for allowing us to share this story she wrote for Reader's Digest years ago.  When you have a moment, do check out DogTipper.com.  It is loaded with all things dog's as well as a Blog Directory to more fun dog sites.  I am dog-gone excited to have been added to their wonderful directory!

Without further ado below is this wonderful, warm, loving story...and you might want to grab a tissue too.  (If you are having a hard time reading as is below, you can also read at DogTipper link.