Special Needs Pet Feature: Kaylee

What is your pet's name?

Kaylee

How old is your pet?

Kaylee is about 7 years old. 

Where did you get your pet?

We adopted Kaylee from Remember Me Ranch Rescue, Baraboo, WI in June of 2011, where she had been since February 2011 

What is your pet's physical challenge?

Kaylee was hit by a car about three years ago, and her previous owners failed to seek medical treatment.  She has a spinal cord injury at her thoraco-lumbar junction resulting in severe sensory deficits and muscle wasting in her rear legs.  Her X-rays show subluxation of the left hip which could either be from the car accident, or possibly hip dysplasia.   She isn’t always quite sure where that left leg is! Happily, after a few months of rehab, her prognosis is much better than we ever expected. At the rehab clinic, Kaylee walks perfectly on an underwater treadmill and gets laser treatments to reduce inflammation and pain. She also has lots of exercises and stretches at home to build strength and decrease her sensory deficits. She has gone from crawling 90% of the time to walking 90% of the time in just four months. 

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?

Kaylee’s favorite thing is to be involved with anything her family is doing. She is delighted to go on car rides when we run errands, be in the yard while I’m gardening, or just curl up and watch TV.  It must have broken her heart to be cast outside and ignored by her previous family. 

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?

Kaylee loves the dried liver treats she gets at her rehab clinic. They are a good distraction during exams and an excellent motivator during exercises.

What do you love most about your pet?

Just looking at Kaylee makes me smile.  Even with all of the challenges and neglect Kaylee has faced, she still embraces life to the fullest.  And that is a good lesson for all of us!

What has your pet most taught you?

Kaylee is the perfect example of how resilient rescue dogs can be.  After being tied out and ignored for three years with her crippling injury and additional medical problems (embedded collar, Lyme Disease, UTI, and rotting teeth), Kaylee radiates joy and love.  I’m so lucky to be her mom!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve made it my mission to seek out senior and special needs pets to adopt from shelters and rescues.  I know these animals will wait the longest to find homes—if they ever find one at all.   And I’ve never been disappointed—being a “rescue mom” has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Visit Kaylee at her blog.

 ***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: 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.***

Adopt a Special Needs Dog!

Special Needs Pet Feature: O'Bannon Phillip

What is your pet's name?
O’Bannon Phillip 


How old is your pet?
 6

Where did you get your pet?
Animal Friends, Pittsburgh, PA


What is your pet's physical challenge?
O’Bannon has a hearing impairment from having bi lateral Total Ear Canal Ablations (TECA) performed.  When we adopted him they told us he was basically deaf. We have learned that he has more “selective” hearing than anything else.   O’Bannon also suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after being rescued by Animal Friends’ Humane Officers where they found him and others in a horrific scene. Multiple Pit Bulls were caged in crates in a dark basement or tied outside with thick chains. Many showed signs of physical injury, some needing emergency surgery.  All showed signs of emotional distress.

Though, it wasn’t until the O’Pits (as they were all given a name that started with an “O”) were adopted into homes that they really showed signs of the PTSD. Many, if not all of them, including O’Bannon, had never lived inside a house. The simple act of turning on and off lights sent him cowering and running from the room.  He was afraid to go down steps or walk down hallways.  He still struggles mentally to build up the courage to come to us if we are at one end of the hall and he is at the other.  He is still quite paranoid in certain situations, always looking over his shoulder and looking around as if he is waiting for something bad to happen.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
O’Bannon loves laying outside in the sunshine and playing with his sister Sylvie.


What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?  
Can we have some extra paper to list everything?  O’Bannon especially enjoys potatoes and pot roast.  He really enjoys cheese as an extra treat.

What do you love most about your pet?
His courage to wake up each day with a happy demeanor and give it his best even though throughout the day his courage will be tested. We just love his spirit and the joy he brings by simply watching him interact with his furry siblings, Bruizer, Sylvie and Mani or laying in his recliner.

What has your pet most taught you?  
O’Bannon has taught us that one of the most precious gifts is the gift of safety.  When we think back to his condition when he first came home and compare it to his behavior now, we see little acts every day which shows he feels safe more and more.  People often take the feeling of safety for granted.  People, for the most part, have the ability to take precautions or to change our behavior to ensure our safety.  Dogs do not completely have that ability and are dependent upon us to provide them with an environment of care and comfort.  O’Bannon appreciates the care and comfort everyone has given him since the day he was rescued.  And he has reciprocates and showers us with care and comfort every time his little face looks up at us.
Also, it is so important not to dismiss an animal with a special need. Often times, they are no more work than pets without special needs and are sometimes so much more rewarding.

Anything else you’d like to share?
We were so inspired by O’Bannon’s ability to trust and love others, his loyalty, gentleness and courage that it was only right to make him the mascot of our law firm. We used his image and likeness with his bright red collar as our logo because he embodies all of the qualities we hope to provide to our clients.  He has his own Facebook page where he likes to blog and keep in touch with all of the wonderful people who saved his life and took care of him while he was waiting for us to find him.

 ***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.***



A Message From Frankie's Mom, Barbara Techel



My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.

I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.

Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.

Learn more about Barbara and her love of special needs pets


Learn more about Barbara's special needs pet, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

NEW! Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Halloween Magnet Set

Artist, Brianna Lennox of Silly Dog Magnets is at it again drawing her favoritebreed, the dachshund. Brianna has a soft spot for doxie's having one of her own named Billie Bumbler. But she adores Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog (that's me!!) and always finding new ways in which she can create something new around Frankie.
I'm very excited to introduce you to her latest idea!!

Frankie Halloween Magnet Set!

Frankie's a hot dog!

Frankie's a cowgirl!

Frankie's a biker chick!

When I do presentations at school's I share photos of Frankie in some of her outfits and the kids giggle with delight!  Keep the giggles going with a set for your child (or you!).  They can be put on the inside panel of a child's locker or on the family refrigerator for all to enjoy.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

$7.99

(good thru 10/15/11. After that will be $8.99)

Order your set today!!

Makes a great alternative to Halloween candy, or great for upcoming holidays or birthdays.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Squeaky

Note:  Be sure to read all the way to end and then listen to a special audio recording my mom did. Squeaky's mom, Sussie wrote to us about Squeaky's first time in wheels and it was so cute we asked we could record and share with you, our readers.


What is your pet's name?
Squeaky. Actualy his name is Colt. But he gets these high pitched squeaky whines when he wants something. I started out saying to him “Thats my squeaky boy” but he seemed to like being called Squeaky. The only time I call him Colt is when he is in trouble. Kinda like when your mother called you by your full name. Oh boy...you knew you were in for it. LOL

How old is your pet?
5

Where did you get your pet?
He was a rescue. He was going to be put down.

What is your pet's physical challenge?
He is down in the back and it is inoperable (IVDD). Very powerful from the mid section forward though. Since I got him, he has regained a tiny bit of movement in the back. But not enough to stand.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
Chew on rawhide bones. Bark. Be held. Explore. Sleep.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
um...what doesn't he like to eat. LOL

What do you love most about your pet?
His attitude. He has never been bothered by the fact that he can't walk. He's always happy.

What has your pet most taught you?
Don't worry...be happy.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you to Eddie's Wheels for making a perfectly custom made cart. It fits him like a glove! Because of them, Squeaky has wings to fly.

Listen to audio of Squeaky trying out his wheels for the first time!!

Squeaky got his wheels audio

 ***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.***

For help with your IVDD dog please visit an organization called Dodgerslist that is dedicated to saving lives of IVDD dogs.



A Message From Frankie's Mom, Barbara Techel



My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.

I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.

Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.

Learn more about Barbara and her love of special needs pets


Learn more about Barbara's special needs pet, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

Special Needs Pet Feature: Shoshone

What is your pet's name? 
Shoshone.

How old is your pet? 
One year old.

Where did you get your pet? 
A breeder.

What is your pet's physical challenge? 
Born with multiple eye deformities that can cause glaucoma.  At the age of 4 months old, she got glaucoma in her left eye and it had to be removed to eliminate the pain she was having due to high eye pressure.  No eye pressure eye drops would bring down the eye pressure so the eye had to be removed.  She has the same problem in the right eye and at 6 months old she had a retinaplexy surgery done the the right eye to try to keep her retina from detaching.  She will probably lose the right eye in the future.  I am so devastated about this.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do? 
She loves to play with her sisters, play with her toys and take long naps on her daddy or my recliner.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
She loves her Benefil Chicken and Rice dog food, Milk Bone and chicken jerky treats.


What do you love most about your pet? 
She is precious, with a wonderful zest for life and is so gentle and loving toward people and other animals.

What has your pet most taught you? 
With all she has gone through, she is happy and full of life.  She has taught me that even though she has disabilities she makes the most out of life and enjoy it to the fullest.

Anything else you’d like to share? 
I just want to say that I love her with all my heart and will do anything I can for her to have a normal life, with some sight, for as long as I can.

 ***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.***


A Message From Frankie's Mom, Barbara Techel



My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.

I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.

Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.

Learn more about Barbara and her love of special needs pets


Learn more about Barbara's special needs pet, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

Special Needs Pet Feature: Rosie

What is your pet's name?
Rosabelle  Degli Angeli Neri, but we simly call her Rosie, (pet names Rosie posie or Ruskuss)

How old is your pet?
She is almost 3.5 years old


Where did you get your pet?
From a well known Newfoundland breeder (Emmy Bruno)

What is your pet's physical challenge?
She was born with a miniature front paw which was later reabsorbed into the wrist

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
Laying on the fountain step with her sister Nana and watch people pass and bark at them if they get too near the gates, or  sleeping on her back

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
Fish (she gets cod once or twice a week) and “cosine buone” (little treats)

What do you love most about your pet?
Her determination not to be left behind or excluded from anything, her courage and attachment to me and her sis.

What has your pet most taught you?
To be strong and fight when things get rough, never to give in, to love unconditionally.

Anything else you’d like to share?
She thinks she is a lap dog and now and then she half jumps on my knees when I am seated, wrap her only front paw around me and lays her head on my breast and just stays there, looking at me as if saying “I love you, Mom”
Half jumps means that she keeps her hind paws on the floor and only her trunk and big big head are resting on me.

 ***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!!

Winners Announced for Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Birthday Bash Prizes!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my birthday bash whether you joined us as new on Facebook or re-tweeted the contest  or donated money to Dodgerslist -- we appreciated each and everyone of you entering!


So drum roll please... and the winners are:


1st Place:  Margaret Kisala ($25.00 Dachshund Delights gift certificate, Frankie tote bag, Both Frankie storybooks, Frankie coloring and paper doll book, Frankie greeting card, and Frankie 2-pc magnet set.)

2nd Place:  Patricia Beach ($15.00 Dachshund Delights gift certificate, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book, Dogs and the Women Who Love Them book, 3" Frankie magnet, and Frankie greeting card.)

3rd Place:  Whispering Pines K-9's ($10.00 Dachshund Delights gift certificate, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House book, Almost Perfect book, 3" Frankie magnet, and Frankie greeting card.


Special bonus prize:  Marilyn Mosley (coloring book bag with Frankie Coloring and Paper Doll Book)

All contest winners need to contact us by Monday, August 29th by midnight to claim their prizes. If we don't hear from you by then, your prize will be forfeited.  When contacting us please provide us with your name and mailing address so we can mail your prize out to you.  Note:  Dachshund Delights will mail gift certificates separately so we will be providing your information to them.

Watch for special video coming announcing how much we raised for Dodgerslist!!

Special Needs Pet: Maggie

What is your pet's name?
Maggie

How old is your pet?
She will be 2 years old on Sept. 21st

Where did you get your pet?
She was born here at my home from a littler of pups. I have both parents.

What is your pet's physical challenge?
Maggie is blind. I think some days (rarely) she can see shapes. It scares her terribly on days like that and she doesn't leave my side. But most days she sees nothing.


What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
Maggie's favorite thing to do is play in the water sprinkler when its hot. She also loves to cuddle and oh, belly rubs- can't forgot those.

What do you love most about your pet?
What I love about Maggie's is she is so sweet and ready to go and do anything with me despite her blindness. She's incredibly smart. She also gives the best kisses!


What has your pet most taught you?
I don't know if she has really taught me this but... Special needs dogs are just that, special. Everyone show open their home to a special dog. Her blindness has taught me to see things differently and how she adapts to things is amazing. She's always happy.


Anything else you'd like to share?

It took awhile to figure out that Maggie couldn't see. She was in a swarm of little black puppies. All rolling around and falling over etc. But it started to show when she would bump into the walls or fall in the food dishes as she got a little older.

I took her to the vet and they did a quick look and said "yup shes blind. Will you be putting her down?" NO! I WILL NOT!

My EX vet didn't even want to discuss what was wrong... They just dismissed her. ( I still do not know why shes blind, it really doesn't matter)

Maggie does perfectly well here with me and her parents and brother. She knows this house and yard, every inch of it. I keep the chairs pushed in and stuff out of the middle of the floor.... She has no problems. Her food and water are in the same place all the time, she goes right to it.

When we go outside she runs like the rest of the pack. Most people don't believe she is blind, and they wouldn't have known if I didn't tell them. If I think shes going to run into something I yell "CAREFUL" and she stops. "EASY" means slow down. I can direct her through the woods (we walk on the hill everyday) By telling her easy, over, wait for me etc.

If we are on a strange trail she stays next to me, Mica, Timber or One Ton.They all look out for her and will get between her and a bank or tree. Its truly amazing to watch those dogs watch out for her. 

We do have a few issues we had to work around... (its not all easy) I have to watch out in the yard when the dogs are running. The others will swerve around me but Maggie has ran me over a couple times (clipped my legs as she goes by) Down I go. Then she comes back and kisses me cause shes sorry.

I wrapped my clothes line posts in snow fence in case she hits them. Its not pretty but it keeps her from getting hurt too much. We still get bumps and bruises some days but as she ages it doesn't happen so much anymore.

She is slow to make up to strangers. She does best if they don't try to touch her right away. But if given time to listen to them and be around them soon shes laying on the ground belly up "Rub my belly!"

Maggie with mommy, Mica, daddy, one ton, and brother, Timber

 ***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.***

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

WIN PRIZES: Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog's Birthday Bash!

Just a note that those that have already donated $1.00 to Dodgerslist during Frankie's Birthday Bash giveaway, your name will also be entered in to win the extra bonus gift I talk about in the video.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Junior

What is your pet's name?
Junior(also lovingly nicknamed My Lil’ Speed Racer)

How old is your pet?
11-12

Where did you get your pet?
Southern California Pomeranian Rescue

What is your pet's physical challenge?
Canine Cognitive Syndrome, or Doggy Dementia, Doggy Alzheimer’s


What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
Eat, and follow his new daddy on short walks

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?
Anything YUMMY!!!

What do you love most about your pet?
I love his amazing spirit most of all. I’ve had him almost 2 weeks, and he has struck me deep in my heart with his amazing spirit. When he goes outside he is a changed man. He does everything a normal dog does, or at least he tries. He gets stuck sometimes, but a wave of the hand in front of his eyes and say come on My Lil’ Speed Racer and voila he’s off again. He makes me smile every time I take him outside to walk. I take him on a separate walk from the others cause he is slow, but the others don’t seem to mind when it’s his turn for his walk.

What has your pet most taught you?
It’s a toss up between patience, perseverance, and bravery.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Just that I am blessed to have him. I thought to myself after I committed to him “What have I gotten myself into?” thinking I was going to be spending all my time watching him to make sure he didn’t have potty accidents, etc…, but I couldn’t have been more wrong with the picture in my mind. He is easy to tell when he has to go potty, and if I happen to not catch his cue, that he needs to go he has yet to miss a potty pad since I’ve had him. He is an astounding baby, and I just wish everyone could experience the smiles he puts on my face every day watching him accomplish thing, after thing, after thing. He makes me so proud of him. I could go on forever here, so I will stop now before I just end up babbling.

 ***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.***

The American Dog Magazine will Feature Special Needs Dogs Up for Adoption

This just warmed my heart to read this news!  In the Fall 2011 issue, The American Dog magazine will feature 5 pages of special needs dogs that need homes.  This is so arf-a-roo  fantastic! So be sure to check it out if you are considering a special needs dog. I can guarantee you your life will never be the same if you bring one of these amazing pets into your life.... just ask my mom... she knows.  ARF!

 

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: Truffles

What is your pets name?  

Tresa-Dee  "Truffles"

How old is your pet?   

Will be 14 yrs. old  May 3rd

Where did you get your pet?  

Thru DRNA rescue, as 'Truffles' was being taken to the vet for euthanasia b/c of spinal issues, & the young boy in the family spoke up abt. this.   Fortunately woman knew abt. rescue & referred the family to DRNA.   She was my foster dog, but I 'failed'  fostering 101, & adopted her--- making her a member of my family!

What is your pets physical challenge? 

Disk problems, of which so severe surgery not recommended.

What is your pets favorite thing to do? 

Be w/ her mommy--me!!   LOVES people, All animals, SUNBATHING!!!  She is just a good all around dog!!  Loves to go w/ her mommy! 

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?  

Truffles loves her dog food, but human food--- beef & chicken, are always great!!

What do you love most about your pet? 

Her sweet, sweet personality!   And her total willingness to embrace all.. 

What has your pet most taught you?  

Not to 'judge' by the exterior.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Truffles is my 'heart & soul' dog.  We communicate (the 2 of us) without spoken words.  

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***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: Gabbi

What is your pets name?  

Gabrielle (Gabbi) S. Carolina

How old is your pet? 

15 ys. this past Oct.  2010

Where did you get your pet? 

Came from shelter in South Carolina thru DRNA (rescue).  Former owner had broken her back.

What is your pets physical challenge? 

Paralyzed from abuse.

What is your pets favorite thing to do? 

'Nurse' on doggy stuffed toy, or blanket, or bedding, or whatever.   Stress reliever for her.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?  

Chicken

What do you love most about your pet?  

Personality (tho' can be aggravating @ times!!) b/c she is going to be sure you know she is 'present & alive'!! 

What has your pet most taught you?  

Patience & deeper love for special needs.

Anything else you’d like to share?  

Gabbi was always a 'tough little cookie', which is prob. how she survived until she was rescued from prev. owner.  Now @ 15+ yrs. of age, sad to see the aging changes, as she was always so Alive & Vocal!!   Gotta love her tho'! 

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***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.***

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Interviews Author Barbara Techel (Part 1)

This is part one of Frankie's interview with author Barbara Techel.  Stay tuned for part two Wed. June 1st.  You never know what this little dog on tires will say or ask, so tune in again next week!

So I just have to ask the most important question right away.  What is it that you love about me?

Oh Frankie!  As always, you are the little stinker, aren’t you?  I love everything about you!  You are such a special little dog with a very big heart.  I love that you have taught me to expand on my compassion by teaching me what a blessing special needs pets are.  I never thought about pets with disabilities until you were diagnosed with IVDD—now I can’t imagine my life without a pet with special needs.

I also love how you are so loyal to me, how you would snuggle on my lap all day if I let you, and how you intently stare at me each morning with your little brown mouse eyes and don’t give up until I finally stir and wake up. You are relentless!!… but I still love you.

Most of all I love all the feelings of joy and love you have put in my heart… I truly believe I am a better human being because of you.

Aww shucks, Mom… if I could blush, I would.  Ok, so about those books your wrote about me, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series- why did you write them?

Well you see little Frankie, though I don’t want you to feel bad about this,  I almost made a very, very bad mistake and put you to sleep when you were diagnosed with IVDD and were only given a 10-30% chance of walking even with surgery. I just couldn’t imagine that you would have a quality life if you couldn’t use your hind legs.

Thank goodness I didn’t do that because of the help from your grandma, your papa, and the vets assuring me all would be ok, I did the right thing for you.  And wow, you took over from there and watching you move forward despite all you had been through, made me realize I could help other dachshunds and pet parents see that IVDD is a manageable disease.  So many people don’t know the options available.

I also was so surprised when I took you out in public for the first time and how children loved seeing you in your wheels and were asking all kinds of questions about you.

I then got this really awesome feeling in my heart after all we had been through and knew, just knew, that even though I had never written a children’s book that this is what I was meant to do!  You gave me the courage, little Frankie, to write your story and to not be afraid, but to just go for it… and follow my heart.

Wow, Mom, I did all that for you?  ARF-A-ROO!  So what is one of the biggest lessons you have learned from me?

I have learned so much from you, sweet Frankie.  The one lesson that is in my mind today is one I shall share for this interview. 

I used to worry so much about what others thought about me.  I was so insecure.  I always had to make sure I looked my best when going out, and would constantly worry if I was skinny enough or pretty enough.  Oh, how I wish I could take back all that worrying!  When I look back now, it seems such a waste of time. 

When I had to make the decision to have you custom-fitted for a dog wheelchair, it was not something I immediately accepted.  You see, I really wanted you to walk on your own again.  I was also worried what others would think of me if I had a dog in a wheelchair, as if that was a bad thing.  But I realized by getting you a dog wheelchair that you could run and play and do all the dog things you could before, so I knew then the wheelchair was the right thing for you. But I still had to get over my fear that others would think it mean or strange that I had a dog with wheels.

I so wish I had never thought that way, but now I know better.  When your wheelchair arrived and you tried it out for the first time, I was elated!  Watching you get around in your wheels, it occurred to me that you had no concern for how you looked, but only that you had your freedom again. It was as if you didn’t even realize you had wheels now for back legs.

I knew then by observing you being who you always were that I had a choice, too.  I could worry what others thought about me, or I could do something positive and educate others that dogs with wheelchairs can live quality lives, and that there is nothing wrong with a dog having a wheelchair.  You taught me to hold my head high no matter what… and ultimately t that spilled over into many other areas of my life.

Now I don’t worry so much anymore.  Ok, so once an a while I do, but that is because I am human and believe me, there are days I truly wish I was a dog like you living with loving, caring parents like you have.  You got it made little one!  But all kidding aside, I have come so far in being me and liking me.  It is such a good place to be… and all because of you, Frankie…. You taught me that.