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Thank you JDWard for this guest blog post
A long time ago, I decided that all life was sacred, and that I would do whatever possible to help an animal in need, regardless of size or type — or in the case of actually rescuing animals, the type of injury or illness. Providing more time to run, laugh (yes, animals do), have fun, and to experience love. To be loved was paramount — even if time was short or the injury severe. Just sharing five minutes of love was a blessing.
I learned “on the job” as a volunteer rescuer that animals with special needs were truly special. They knew implicitly that without our kindness and mercy they could not eat or drink or even go potty in some cases.
In return, they love deeper, laugh more, and even dance!
They enjoy their lives a little more and teach us to do the same, despite their pain and/or limitations, because they know deep inside that they almost were called to the Great Beyond.
Pasha is one of the many special needs animals at the Rescue Ranch, to the north of Houston, Texas.
A smaller Golden Retriever, Pasha had been left outside on New Year’s Eve. By oversight, during extremely extenuating circumstances, the fenced yard gate was left open. With Pasha’s anxiety of loud noises, she ran and was hit by a car.
Surgery, with many screws embedded in her back, saved her life but not her ability to walk. After two years of trying with minimal success, her family finally surrendered her, along with her doggie wheelchair or rear-wheel cart. Her rear legs were paralyzed.
Bitty, all three pounds of him, is a little Chihuahua with the personality of a BIG dog. He was rushed into a shelter, wrapped up in a bloody, kitchen towel.
An unfortunate accident caused the loss of his tail and his private parts — ALL of them. It took two rescuers and a vet, with an anatomy book placed next to him, to figure out what leftover “bits” went where before he could even be considered for lifesaving surgery.
As Pasha and Bitty have gotten older, they need more help. Pasha needed something to protect her skin from degrading. Very independent, she pulls her legs behind her when she is not in her cart to get from room to room on the tile floors. The movement, however, activates her bowels and bladder when it isn’t time to manually express her, thus creating a trail!
Diapers and suspenders — to keep them from slipping off — have made a huge difference to her and to her caretakers. A Drag Bag and a spare, and diapers and suspenders not only allow us to leave protective ointment on her now fur-less skin area, but make housekeeping much less of a chore!
Bitty had no tail to help hold diapers on and has to urinate like a girl dog now. But as he has been aging, he has less control over when he urinates. Diapers with suspenders allow ointment to be slathered on his bottom, where the urine drips scorch his skin, and also help catch them when he barks!
The Rescue Ranch is so grateful for the kindness shown by Walkin’ Pets, helping us to continue to help these precious animals. With just a little extra help, they can live almost normal lives instead of [gulp!] the alternative of being euthanized.
We have also found that our lives are blessed by helping these special animals. There is truly no limit to their love, plus we all laugh together — and sometimes cry together. But always, we get lots of “thank you” kisses!
About our guest blogger: JDWard or Jane, has been rescuing special need animals since she was twelve. She co-founded the Rescue Ranch over ten years ago, after realizing that some animals needed such time-intensive or specialized care that they could not be adopted, and owners were surrendering their animals because they had to work. The Rescue Ranch is a place where they all could rest easy, knowing they had a loving place to live out the rest of their lives, no matter how long or short. Jane welcomes all “angels” who would like to help. Please see the Rescue Ranch website for more information, or email: a.rescue.volunteer@gmail.com. Grateful. Truly.
This brings tears to my eyes!
T are of joy that these sweet dogs get such love and care.
My Dachshund’s Lowe back is paralyzed and surgery did not help.
He is a very happy guy and been taken my care for f his specific al needs got 4 years and he does great.
He loves his stroller rides But not fond of his wheels.
I found a great pattern for an index neath “cape” he wears all day that protects him and the carpet.
It’s rip stop nylon on bottom layer then waterproof in middle and soft fleece on top next to his body. It has elastic straps like a harness and is open and gets ventilation.
It’s called “Ollie’s cape” and got it from a lady on Dodgerslist site.
Easy to make and a must and my dog has 10 of them as he stays clean all day.
He can almost fly!
Keep up the good work.
Pat and Lucky
Sounds like your dog is indeed a lucky guy! For people who aren’t crafty, the Drag Bag is a nice option for scooting around.
Hi! My name is Tonya with Big Love Rescue. We are in Houston Tx. I’m reaching out about one of our available dogs, Nicholas 🥰 (Webpage Bio https://www.petfinder.com/dog/nicholas-51004669/tx/cypress/big-love-rescue-tx2426/ ) He has a spinal injury and is paralyzed from the waist down. He has been gifted with a wheel chair for life from Gunnars Wheels. I’m reaching out for advise on exposure. We have received zero interest here in Houston. I’ve reached out to some special needs rescues hoping for a “share” but haven’t received much response. Thankfully He has an amazing foster! She takes him to random events ands pulls him in an “Adopt Me” wagon. We really don’t have adoption events but rely on Petfinder.com and Adoptapet.com for adoptions. It was recommended by a rescue friend that I reach out to your group for advise on how to get this sweet guy some exposure. He is an awesome dog and full of life. He needs a family to call his own. I appreciate any advise that you can give. Thx! Tonya
Good evening,
I am a rescuer from Midland, Texas. I am an independent rescuer. I am not a 501C3. I took in a paralyzed dog in September 11th because his family did nit have the financial means to help him. I took him to my vets office and my vet advised that surgery would not fix his broken back. I am desperately looking for a permanent home or rescue for him. His name is Scooter. He is 16 weeks old. His injury happened when he was 5 weeks old. He’s a Goldendoodle. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
Hi Topsanna,
Our Rescue Outreach team would be happy to answer any or your questions, we are connected with a lot of 501C3 organizations in Texas that care for special needs pets as well. Please contact us at rescueoutreach@walkinpets.com so we can help answer your questions about Scooter.