Cole is a 6-year old Black Lab with a big heart and a strong will to live. Cole has always been utilized as a hunting dog - his life being spent outside in a kennel. At the beginning of September, Cole experienced what we think was a "fibrocartilaginous emboli" - similar to a stroke in a human. He lost the use of his back legs. His owner did not want to spend any money to find out what was wrong and did not want to give Cole any additional time to see if there was a hope of recovery. Instead, the owner wanted Cole "put down" - as it would be cheaper to go and buy another hunting dog. We became aware of the situation and offered to take Cole into our home. When we went to pick Cole up, he was very ill - seems he'd not been given much water over several days and, subsequently, became dehydrated and suffering from some type of infection. However, he wanted to live and recovered quickly from the infection. We have given Cole lots of love and have tried to work with him from a physical therapy standpoint - although we have no formal facilities. Cole has regained feeling and can move his back legs. He is regaining muscle and can now stand on his back legs with some assistance with balance. His front legs and chest have become very strong and he is able to walk with back support assistance for over 1/2 mile at a time. Because he cannot get up on his own, we keep a "belly wrap" on him to help keep him dry due to his intermittent urination during the day.

Cole loves to be around the action. We have several other dogs and cats in the household and they get along very well. One of our dogs lays down beside Cole and they wrestle. He sees himself as "one of the gang" and has seemed to adapt very well to his current condition. Although, he very much has the will to walk again.

Cole needs a family that will be able to give him a loving environment. He does require extra effort and attention. However, he will give a tremendous amount of love in return. After all that Cole has been through, he has proven himself as one of the most gentle of God's creatures.

 

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