Why in the world people think dogs are "disposable" or "garage sale items" is simply beyond comprehension. This poor baby was listed on a local online garage sale website for someone to just come and take her away. Even though little Dottie was only 3 years old, for a reason we will never know, trauma or accident, she went down in her back. When dachshunds go down in their back, time is of the essence. If they get care right away, most will walk again. But Dottie's owner simply let this young, vibrant pup drag herself around with her back end paralyzed, not even attempting to have her seen by a vet.
Fortunately, an ATDR volunteer saw the ad, and a plan was set in motion to rescue Dottie and get her to a Veterinary back specialist for immediate surgery. After cleaning out 2 compressed discs in her back, the surgeon feels that Dottie has an 80% chance of walking again; which is incredible considering how long she had gone without help. What makes Dottie so special is her absolute zeal for life, her refusal to be anything but perfectly happy and content, and to love everyone she meets with her entire heart. Dottie is the perfect example of "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." She's in a doggie wheelchair right now, but that does not slow her down one bit. She motors around in her chair like an Indy car driver. She's so determined to completely recover that she is already showing movement in her back legs and her little tail wags a mile a minute. Needless to say, the back surgery for this wonderful little fighter has taxed ATDR's budget, so if you would like to share in being part of Dottie's recovery and in rewarding this little girl in her valiant effort to walk again, we could really use your help. Any amount, no matter how small, will go directly to help Dottie in her fight to walk again and make the world a better place by her sharing her love and positive outlook with all she meets! Update: April 13, 2010 - Dottie is recovering nicely 2 weeks after her surgery! She is loving life and using a cart for exercise and learning to walk again. She's a busy girl too! She supervised the birth of a filly named Tribute on the ranch where she's being fostered. How cool is that? Dottie should be walking soon so stay tuned for more updates!! |
