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1868280 tn?1320165473

My Handicapped Yorkie Sissy

I took my Sissy to see another Vet to get a second opinion about her legs. She has three that work pretty
good, but her right front is bent back and has no use. He said she is as good as she ever be, no surgey
will help her. Sissy had a reaction to destemper shot when she was a pup and almost died. She developed some neurological problems after she got through her shock. To say the least she is a fighter. She would not give up and drags her little 4.5 pound body around the house. She loved my cat Joe, who past away after 16 years few month back and then the shock of losing her best friend Jack, she has gone through some lonely days like me. I really watch after the little dog. She gets along pretty good and when I put on her comfort harness and pull up her front, she gets her back legs kicking like a rabbit and we go for walks all over the place. She gives me a pretty good workout. We recently got a little male dog to keep her company. I thought it may have been too soon, because I
fear I will not be fair to the dog, since I'm not off the loss of Jack, but Sissy needs company when we
work different hours. The dogs are never left for more than 4 hours at a time, so they don't go through
too much yorkie stress. Anyway I've tried pvc pipe type deal to help Sissy stand and push her feet, so
she could be more mobile around the house, but that does not work very well. I wonder if there is any
place I could go to fit her for her own type of device to help lift her front and be mobile enough she
could get along better? The Vets there is no use to remove her right leg, because it does not obstruct
her mobility. She is about as good as she will ever be. I get mad of some of friends and family who
look at the dog and say we should put her down!? She is healthy as a horse, other than her handicap.
Anyway, thought maybe somebody here may have some ideas for Sissy. I will post Sissy new friend,
he's not a bad dog, he's just not Jack. He's really Lynn's dog.

Mark
5 Responses
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462827 tn?1333168952
Thanks Connie.....I checked out the new photos, too....Gotta love um!  Karla
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Mark,
I am delighted to hear that Sissy has another companion..!  No he is not Jack...He is a new member of the family.  You may not be completely open to him yet, but I have a feeling Corky will work his magic on you...!
Corky the Yorkie is a lucky dog indeed...He has found a wonderful home.
Sissy will be happy to have the companionship...it might take her awhile to warm up to him..( just like you ) but..Corky will at least be a wonderful distraction for her, and keep her mind occupied.
If you are looking for a custom cart for Sissy, you could try calling the local pet stores, or your local veterinarians...they may have some good suggestions for you. Of course there is always the internet, and it looks like Ginger has got you started on that option...!  (Thanks Ginger )
I loved your new photos Mark....Thanks for sharing.
Let us know how your search for a cart goes...!
Connie
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
Mark...I think your wonderful!!!!!!    Karla
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Mark. How dare anyone say to put Sissy down. Handicapped dogs cope extraordinarily well - often better than some humans - and it's all about quality of life, happiness and contentment. Sissy sounds like an amazing little dog and I hope the links that ginger has suggested gives you a good starting point. Let us know how you get on. Sissy is certainly not short on love, and who could ask for anything more. Well done you. Tony
Helpful - 0
675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Mark,
I admire the way you have fought to overcome your own emotions about getting another dog in, for Sissy's sake. I feel you might be right, she will need some company of her own kind. She knows it's not Jack, he won't mean the same to her either...but she has a little friend, and she will get to know and be fond of him, and that's great. Brilliant idea.

Anyway, have you ever thought of getting Sissy fitted for a prosthesis? I have no idea how much that might cost of course.
There is an amazing orthopedic vet here in the UK called Noel Fitzpatrick, who has caused quite a stir with pioneering surgery and the most advanced prostheses, giving dogs and cats a whole new lease of life, when they previously were very badly disabled or disfigured, and found it hard to get around. You might be very interested in reading about Noel Fitzpatrick's work, and the clinic, founded by him. The website is:
http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/
However I know that's quite a distance from you! I'm showing you that so maybe you might get some ideas of exactly what can be done in this field. It might (if you can afford it and if it would suit Sissy of course) -give you some inspiration to seek out a specialist vet, if not in your own State, then maybe nearer to home than Surrey England!

You also might be interested in looking at these pages:
http://www.animaloandp.com/
(U.S. based resources)
Helpful - 0
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