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Some may remember, back before the format change I had posted about our little 6-year old dachshund, Willie. We had not caught the early signs that he was having back trouble, and by the time we did, he was completely unable to walk or stand. The vet said a $3500 procedure might help, but we just didn't have the money.
I wrote in to see if anyone had experience with a paralyzed pet, and whether it was better to let him do the best he could or put him down. I got some good suggestions and support, but what stood out the most were nulllie's posts. As I recall, he said among other things that Willie would take his cues from me. If we treated him well, he would adapt and be a happy dog.
Long story shorter...I'm still recovering from major back surgery, so I've had to spend most of my time right here in the recliner, with Willie right here in my lap. We read and listen to music...well, I read and listen to music while Willie snores. He likes to be rubbed behind the hears. Sometimes we'll spend several hours a day just sitting here together.
We bought him all kinds of harnesses and rigs to help him walk, but he just didn't seem interested in them.
About three weeks ago, I had to get out of my chair, so I set Willie down on the floor beside me. He pulled himself to his feet, took two steps and fell down. Odd, I thought. A couple of days later, he took about ten steps. Every few days, he would take a few steps...awkward, clumsy, feet twisted, but trying to walk.
Now, after four months of not using either back leg for anything, Willie can walk up to around 50 feet, and is getting more surefooted all the time. He's even tried to trot a few times. After four months of our having to take him outside and hold him while he did his "business", now we can just let him out in the back yard. He barks to let us know when he wants back in.
I don't know how this happened. The vet doesn't know either. We don't know if it will last. But it sure has been nice to see Willie get around on his own.
Make no mistake, he has become very spoiled, and still wants to be in my lap whenever possible. But I can't help think that freedom to walk around is making him at least as happy as it has made us.
Anyway, that's what's happening here. Willie the Miracle Dog walks on.
And thanks, nullie, for some great advice.
I wrote in to see if anyone had experience with a paralyzed pet, and whether it was better to let him do the best he could or put him down. I got some good suggestions and support, but what stood out the most were nulllie's posts. As I recall, he said among other things that Willie would take his cues from me. If we treated him well, he would adapt and be a happy dog.
Long story shorter...I'm still recovering from major back surgery, so I've had to spend most of my time right here in the recliner, with Willie right here in my lap. We read and listen to music...well, I read and listen to music while Willie snores. He likes to be rubbed behind the hears. Sometimes we'll spend several hours a day just sitting here together.
We bought him all kinds of harnesses and rigs to help him walk, but he just didn't seem interested in them.
About three weeks ago, I had to get out of my chair, so I set Willie down on the floor beside me. He pulled himself to his feet, took two steps and fell down. Odd, I thought. A couple of days later, he took about ten steps. Every few days, he would take a few steps...awkward, clumsy, feet twisted, but trying to walk.
Now, after four months of not using either back leg for anything, Willie can walk up to around 50 feet, and is getting more surefooted all the time. He's even tried to trot a few times. After four months of our having to take him outside and hold him while he did his "business", now we can just let him out in the back yard. He barks to let us know when he wants back in.
I don't know how this happened. The vet doesn't know either. We don't know if it will last. But it sure has been nice to see Willie get around on his own.
Make no mistake, he has become very spoiled, and still wants to be in my lap whenever possible. But I can't help think that freedom to walk around is making him at least as happy as it has made us.
Anyway, that's what's happening here. Willie the Miracle Dog walks on.
And thanks, nullie, for some great advice.
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