A paralysed puppy has taken her first walk in her new wheelchair after £7,000 was raised on GoFundMe to pay for it.
Pumpkin the West Highland terrier was born paralysed in her two hind legs, and could only move by dragging her body forward, using her front paws. Foster mum Tammie Fox, 41, started a fundraiser for treatment which has raised thousands and bought a wheelchair from disabled dog charity Winston’s Wheels. Pumpkin is now happily moving around, finally able to run and go for walkies. Nail technician Tammie, from Lincoln, said: ‘I’m totally overwhelmed.Your dog needs his own cozy spot as well, preferably a crate, a comfy bed that’s his alone and a selection of appropriate toys.
‘It still doesn’t seem real. I only ever thought that people who knew me would donate.
‘I’m absolutely blown away by people’s generosity.’
A breeder surrendered pumpkin to charity Breeds in Need and Tammie took in the pooch, aged 10 weeks.She’s fallen in love with the dog and plans to adopt the pet formally.
‘It broke my heart to see her with these disabilities and unable to walk.
‘I fell in love with her instantly, and so did my husband Richard and our kids, Maddison-Belle, ten, and Ziggy, four. Even Smiggle the dog loved her.Be Diligent about Vet Visits. “Don’t wait for the signs,” Dr. Becker stresses. Focus on “prevention first.” Pets age fast, and when it comes to illness they are programmed to mask weakness, “they’re naturally secretive.” One to two visits a year is ideal, but if you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate, and don’t self-diagnose. “In the last two years I’ve seen four or five cases where people went to the internet for help, and by the time they get to the vet it’s too late,” says Dr. Becker.
‘Pumpkin is a proper character, full of personality and she just loves cuddles.
‘We both decided we wanted to adopt her permanently the day we got her, it was love at first sight.
‘We know we can give her the love and care she needs – I’ll sell my car if I need to.’
Pumpkin is set to visit a specialist vet in Surrey for an appointment and MRI scan next week.If your dog’s acting funny, get out the umbrella! According to a Petside.com/Associated Press poll, 72% of dog owners believe their dog can detect when stormy weather is on the way.
Future treatment is expected to cost up to £3,000 plus travel costs.
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