I call Missy my wonder dog.
 
The call came out of nowhere. At 9 am on October 10, my Missy, a rescue blonde cocker spaniel, lost the use of her back legs. Overnight she went from Michael Jordan athleticism to a paraplegic. We had 24 hours to decide if surgery was a viable option.
 
Missy is the kind of soul who bounds steps three at a time. She ran where others walked. She jumped where others hopped. She lived for a ride in the car where she sat shotgun on the front console. Her will and determination could raise a sleeping adult to go downstairs in the middle of the night when she deigned a treat necessary.
 
Now we had 24 hours to match a medical miracle with our girl Missy. We hoped an MRI would show a slipped disc, easier to fix with better odds that she would walk again. Results showed damage over a period of time, she just had been compensating in silence.
 
A team of doctors said surgery may or may not bring back her ability to walk. She is a fighter and we had to give her the chance to fight. On October 11, she was prepped for surgery.  She came through surgery well, but there was still no promise of normalcy. Just the promise that there will be a new reality of normalcy.
 
From Missy and this convalescence period we have learned so much about facing our challenges. Perhaps you can learn about facing your challenges too: 

Four months later we all have learned. We have learned to be thankful for a doggy neurosurgeon, physical therapist, oncologist, laser acupuncture and the water treadmill. What I am most thankful for is this dog with a heart and a will and an attitude made of steel.

1.  Face problems quickly
We had to decide quickly if surgery was to be a viable option. We gathered expert opinion as quickly as possible and moved forward. In some ways we were fortunate that the medical reality dictated a quick decision. The take-away lesson is that regardless of the challenge or the situation, moving forward is always positive.
 
2.   Assume the best
If I could speak for Missy, I think she always assumed the best. The day after surgery she tried to walk. Even when she couldn’t walk unassisted, she just kept assuming she could. Surgery has been followed by physical therapy including laser acupuncture and hydrotherapy. Every additional two minutes she spends on the water treadmill I embrace like the first landing on the moon. When people roll their eyes at this tale, I roll my eyes at their lack of faith. From the beginning I assumed that if I gave her every advantage, the best would happen.
 
3.  Listen to your inner voice
My voice and her inner voice did not always speak in unison. My voice said, you can’t use your back legs, wait until I get a towel to put under your belly. Her voice said, I will crawl where I need to go. My voice said, you need to be confined until you get the use of your legs back. Her voice said, I can drag my back legs to get where I want to go. Finally, I listened to OUR inner voice: a combination of my caution and her optimism.
 
4.  Live your life by your standards . . . mostly
We had three ramps made for her to use because she was not allowed to use steps early in her convalescence. As she has gotten better in “leaps and bounds” she chooses the steps over the ramp. She insists she can do a staircase by herself, and if left unattended she would be jumping into the car. My job in life is to consistently alter her expectations.
 
5.  Adapt begrudgingly
As she progressed, she was allowed to negotiate steps by herself, on a leash, doing them one by one. A big upgrade from having to be carried up and down the steps everyday. After a few weeks, she seems to have begrudgingly agreed to the terms. Even in her world, not all mountains are worth dying on.
 
6.  Fight continuously
My girl is a survivor. From her first post surgery day she has fought for every success. We were first told by the neurosurgeon that she might not walk again; she may not have control over her bodily functions. She fought to not be confined, she fought to walk, she fought to navigate steps by herself, and she fights with me daily to have as normal a life as possible.
 
7.   Accept realities
This is a challenge for both of us. We see different realities. She sees where she was for most of her life and asks, why not? I think of where she was on October 10, and think never again. So my reality gives her a little more freedom each day, and her reality gives her less freedom than pre 10/10, and more freedom that I ever dreamt she would have.
 
After her surgery I was amazed at people’s amazement that I would give a 12 year old dog, this surgery, this therapy, the best medicine’s minds and hands hand to offer. I knew I had to give her every opportunity I could identify and afford. And she has given me back my old Missy, almost, and a renewed belief that all things are possible.
 
With special thanks to my Moshe, Metropolitan Vet Hospital, Dr. Axlund, and Dancing Paws Animal Wellness.

Pets and Pet Breeding

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Is buying a stroller for your canine pet a luxury or a necessity? Some may think that putting your dog inside a stroller while walking in the park or hanging around the mall is ridiculous, but they are absolutely wrong. It is never silly to think about your pet’s safety and welfare.

With the use of pet strollers, you can bring your dog with you wherever you go while enjoying a more secure and safe travel experience.

All dog owners should consider buying pet strollers to protect their dogs from possible dangers inside and outside your home. It is also necessary especially for dogs with disabilities and have anxiety problems. Buying this product will truly bring a lot of benefits to you and your beloved pet.

The use of pet strollers is highly recommended for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. If you are worried about your dog getting away or lost when you’re walking in the streets, a pet stroller will be a very good solution to prevent such situation from happening. Walking outdoor will be more enjoyable, easier and worry-free for dog owners with the help of a pet stroller.

Senior dogs and those with disabilities will feel more pampered and comfortable whenever you put them in a stroller. In such cases, we can say that dog strollers are no longer a luxury but a necessity in transporting physically challenged canines.

Nobody wants to carry a medium-sized or large dog with a fractured leg. It is difficult and at the same time risky for the condition of your dog. Caring for your disabled pet will be more manageable with the use this specially-designed carrier.

Dog strollers are also practical especially if you own two or more dogs. Transporting your pet will become easier and safer. Using this equipment will let you bring and stroll all your pets at the same time without the usual hassles of monitoring them.

The author is a dog owner connected to a company that offers a huge selection of stylish pet strollers, pet containment systems and other dog strollers at affordable prices.

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Does your pet need a stroller? Yes, indeed. Pet strollers are more than just a recreational carrier but a helpful way of transporting your handicapped or small pets like puppies and kittens.

Here are some of the reasons why you should buy pet strollers.

• Easy to travel.

You can travel along with your pet in comfort and safety manner. Go to parks or just stroll in the mall and bring your pet with you so he can socialize with others. Imagine that you can bring your dog or cat in a restaurant and even to your office without worrying.

• Going to veterinary center.

Now it will be easy for you to bring your sick pet or just for regular check up in the veterinary. The stroller keeps your pet off the floor visited by other sick dogs all day so your dog will not be contaminated by germs. It is also a helpful way to transport your handicapped or aged pet because they deserve also to go in some places.

• Jogging in the park without tiring your pet.

You can stay physically fit and also your dog from jogging in the park or along the neighborhood. Give your dog a ride in his stroller when he’s had enough and now you can continue you exercise while you pet enjoys the cool breeze and relaxation in the stroller.

• Outdoor events.

Going to dog shows, picnics, festivals and other outdoor events can be more fun as you bring your pet. To eliminate worrying that they can escape and to keep them away from other aggressive dogs; put them in safe place. And a pet stroller is the one which can provide that kind of treatment while they are enjoy watching the event.

• Fresh air for sick pet.

Let your pets who are still recovering from injuries, geriatric pet, or those who become disable enjoy the cool fresh air outside. It helps them for early recovery and also enjoys their surroundings. You will see that they are cheerful to be able to go outside.

• Easy to maneuver.

You may notice that more people now are starting to use strollers as a replacement for carriers. This is because carrier can give back and shoulder pain to pet lovers. Unlike the stroller, it is easily to scroll and minimizes the weight of your pet.

• Give your pet a ”red carpet treatment”.

Provide your beloved pets with the right stroller for them. Some people might think that it is lavishness; rather think this is as a necessity to provide your pet a comfortable and safe life.

• Having many little dogs.

Traveling is much easier when you have many little dogs because you don’t have to go in different directions just to catch them all.

• Keeps away from accident.

It is a good choice for pet owner who lives in a city to use stroller to keep their pet from running into street hence it will prevent any accident for your pet.

• Spend more time with your pet.

Now you can spend more quality time with your dog. You can bring him almost anywhere. Both of you will surely have a wonderful day spending outside without any hassle.