Disabled Chihuahuas "Drive" Toy Wagons!

[Die Fledermaus]

>> Chihuahuas Without Front Paw Now Wheelie Dogs

Jan 17 2008
Disabled Dogs 'Drive' Toy Wagons

Three Chihuahuas came to New York's North Shore Animal League in April so badly deformed they resembled pint-sized kangaroos.

These three pups, born without front legs, quickly learned to hop on their back paws. But it was a short-term solution. And now they've got what they really need -- a set of wheels.

"Chihuahuas aren't meant to hope around. Long term, it would lead to spine and hip injuries," Animal League spokesman Devora Lynn told About.com.

Lynn suspects that the dogs fell victim to human misbehavior. "Celebrities have made Chihuahuas a hot commodity, and some breeders are not acting responsibly."
Front-Wheel Drive New for Canine Drivers

Now the three 11-month-olds -- Venus, Carmen and Pablo -- are learning to steer Chihuahua-sized aluminum wagons, small and light enough for them to push, that will let them lead normal lives.

It's not uncommon to see dogs with hip injuries use wagons for their rear haunches, but front wheels are a novelty, especially when two-and-a-half-pound pups are driving.

"They're so cute. You should watch them go," Lyn says. "They've gone to a very happy home."

The three-wheeled wagons were custom built for $1,000 -- and they may soon bring relief to other animals.

In another doggie innovation, Hungarian scientists are working on computer software analyzing dog barks that could allow people to better recognize dogs' basic emotions. The result could be "a device for dog-human communication."

I can't wait to ask my favorite pooch why toilet water tastes so good. <<

The answer top that is water in the toilet is the coolest in the house as it is inside ceramic!

LINK

[Andrea]

So sweet that someone was able to help those three. It upsets me that someone out there is breeding these animals for profit and nothing more.

[Hamsters82]

Good thing they can run again. Remember Faith, the dog? She doesn't have her front legs either and walks on her hind legs.

[Die Fledermaus]

www.faiththedog.net/

>> Faith is an incredible dog. She was born just before Christmas in 2002, and we were lucky enough to have her in our family just 3 short weeks later. She was born to a mother dog, believed to be nearly full blooded chow, along with several other siblings. Faith wasn't the only puppy born with deformities, but because "Princess", her mother, was not our dog, we are not sure of the exact number of puppies she gave birth to. It is certain, however, that Faith was the only puppy with deformities to live.



Faith was rescued by my son Reuben on January 21, 2003, when he and his friend Johnny, the owner of Princess, jumped over the fence of the flea market area that Princess was raised to guard. Princess isn't exactly the mothering kind. She was literally terminating Faith's life because she knew instinctively that Faith was unable to battle the other puppies for a place to feed. Faith was weak, small, runtish, and mostly she was nearly dead. Reuben grabbed Faith out from under Princess and smuggled her under his jersey. He wore #63 for the Putnam City Pirates football team.

When Reuben brought Faith to us she had 3 actual legs, but the left front leg was badly deformed, placed backward, upside down, and it had more toes on it than normal dog legs. The leg was removed when she was 7 months old when it began to atrophy. People ask me if it was easy to teach Faith to walk upright...the answer is NO! It was not easy, and it was not natural. It was SUPER natural, and therefore, we have to give all of the credit to Jesus. Of course, it took a little....Faith as well. <<


Reminds me of Drumstick the gerbil - a rescue I got from Susan the rescuer. She had no hind legs! I miss her, and wish I had another I could save. The closest I have of course is Enjo the gerbil who as you know has a locked front paw and a spayed out back leg - and was nearly killed at the pet store before I got her.

[pinky]

Kudos to those of you who take disabled pets into your care and give them a life they certainly wouldn't have had otherwise.