Smartie..the disabled dog...this is his heartwarming story!
Smartie which we named him) is a tiny, 3 year old, Jack russel boy with deformed front legs.
He was living with a family in PE who no longer wanted him. We found out about him (as we concentrate on special needs animals) and had him flown to us in Joburg.
We were heartbroken to watch him bounce heavily on his little chest and so sad to know that he had been doing this for 3 whole years and the family had done nothing to help him. He is such a happy chappy but bouncing and sliding on hard surfaces on his chest has created problems for him. His back legs were having to do all the work so they have grown out of proportion, his little neck is thick from trying to hold his head up and his chin, his chest and tummy have little sores. Never the less, he is still bouncy and confident and an absolute inspiration
We started to research wheels carts for disabled animals as we were not prepared to let him slide along for the rest of his life. A wonderful lady called Tracy Harries from Equi-Aid in PE, called us to say that she was making these wheel carts, one of the first people to be making them in SA. She got into making wheel carts because of her little dachshund which she refused to put down when he was injured.. and now she is making them for other disabled animals (even a tortoise).
A little segment about what she does was featured on SABC News and a photo of Smartie was shown as the next in line to receive a wheel cart. So he became a bit of a celeb ?
She very kindly made Smartie his wheels (with his name embroidered) and shipped them off to us in Joburg.
We got them yesterday and were so excited to show Smartie. Obviously, being very new to him, he was cautious and a little nervous when we got him in the cart but after a few steps, he kind of had an idea of what we needed him to do.
This process is not as easy as putting him in it and having him run/roll around. Smartie needs a bit of rehabilitation.
His head is so used to being on the ground that he leans forward a lot and this could topple the cart. We are going to do some practicing with him daily until his body is ready and he is happy enough to stay in the cart and ‘drive’ around’. We cannot wait for him to be confident in his wheels and finally get some speed and possibly even partake in the f1 ?
When he is used to them, we will be looking for a wonderful forever home for him which will give us a chance to take in another special needs animal.
We are looking for a home where there is family member home a lot (to keep an eye on him and his wheels) and someone who will cherish and adore him. A home with boisterous dogs might not be suitable and obviously a home where there are no steps etc.
Written by Lauren Namer..Smarties current caretaker!
