A paralysed golden retriever abandoned by her owners has found a new family.
Sadly, Olivia broke her spine when she was three months old after she fell off a flagstone, paralysing her from the neck down.Vets refused to euthanise her and so, the owners put her up for adoption.
Thankfully, Olivia was rescued by kind-hearted Mariana Camargo de Oliveira, 36 and now rolls about in a custom pink wheelchair.The four-year-old dog is now thriving on her new wheels that come with matching accessories. In addition to this, she also has her own swimming pool.
‘When I adopted her she couldn’t move, she didn’t even have the strength to drag herself,’ Mariana, from Sorocaba, Brazil says.Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”
‘The chair gave Olivia hope and a lot of freedom.
‘Today she is able to run and feel the wind on her face again.’
Get Educated. The first step to being an outstanding pet owner, according to Dr. Becker, is taking responsibility. “Nobody ever says ‘I was a lousy pet owner.’ It’s always the pet’s fault.” Learn the peculiarities of your pet’s breed such as how much exercise they need, how gregarious they are, how much maintenance their coat requires, how often they need to go outside, and about new technologies, products, and nutrition that might help you care for your pet. Knowing the basics about your pet’s upkeep ensures you won’t be caught off guard by troubling behavior.
‘I was shocked by the lack of love and empathy from the family, and I felt something stronger than me, as if she was already mine,’ she explains.
‘As soon as I adopted her, we bought her the wheelchair.’
Olivia was given seven long months of rehabilitation with lots of physiotherapy.
This helped her to gain enough muscle to support her body in the chair.
Nowadays, she uses the chair for her daily walks but the 30kg pooch has to be lifted by Mariana and her husband Eduardo Palota, 38.Remove pet hair from carpet with a squeegee.
She also has to wear a cloth nappy, but this doesn’t bother her loving family.
‘She still looks beautiful and stylish!’ Mariana says.
‘Olivia’s personality is unique, she has a willpower and a joy beyond our understanding.
‘She loves to ride in the chair, likes to swim and ride in the car.
‘We don’t abandon our four-legged children, Olivia today represents life, overcoming and lots of love!’
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Use a carabiner to attach it to a belt loop for a long hike.