Disabled dogs

Miss Nolene likes to sit on the sofa and can nearly get up there on her own.  Nearly.   She is a disabled dog who has had spinal problems in the past.   Major surgery at a veterinary hospital (£1600+!) and then an extensive period of re-hab did the trick and helped Nolene to walk again.   We had no guarantee that her operation would be a success and she had to stay for a week in the hospital but she is a fighter and was a model patient.

We strapped her into a little cart so she could get her legs moving again – Nolene was totally paralysed on her back end before surgery.   We also dunked her in the bath every day for swimming lessons.  I massaged her legs with comfrey oil, whatever we did, she didn’t mind.   At first it didn’t seem as though anything was going to work but then there was a spark of life in her legs, flickering movements, a tiny effort to stand up.   Nolene was on the mend!

It took about six months before she could walk properly again.   Well, not exactly properly.  She is obviously stiff and her gait is a bit rigid but she can get about and run and have fun.    Climbing on sofas is a challenge though so we give her a bit of a help up.   You always have to be a bit careful with Nolene, she is quick and a bit of a nipper, she doesn’t like to be touched on her back, perhaps it hurts her.   Getting on the sofa or on to your knee is different though and she is mellowing a bit as she gets older.

Jack also likes to sit on the sofa but has no chance of getting up there on his own.   As well as his missing leg he has injuries to his pelvis and one of his back legs.   He had multiple fractures when he first came in.   When we first saw him (as a six month old puppy) he was on a drip at the vet’s surgery.   As we were being told that it would be best to put him to sleep as he had so many injuries he began to lick my hand!   Ever the opportunist!

Sometimes we let Nolene have a bit of quality time on the sofa on her own.   Jack Spratt is a bossy macho man and although she doesn’t seem to mind and is distraught if they are separated, she has a satisfied smile when she gets the sofa to herself.  Don’t worry Jack, we’ll lift you up in a minute or two…..