This is a story about Frankie, an amazing Dachshund, that will show you even if life seems at it's end there is always hope:
On Easter Sunday 2006 Frankie ruptured a disk in her back and became permanently paralyzed. Frankie's owner, Barbara feared she had to put Frankie to sleep, but with a surgery the damaged disc was removed and Frankie's life was spared. It took six weeks of strict cage rest for Frankie to heal properly. Dachshunds are a breed that relish and thrive in being a part of the family, so she recevied a lot of love and care during her recovery.
As soon as her time was up of cage rest was completed, there was no stopping her. She immediately adjusted to her new life and began scooting around by pulling her front legs along. The loss of her back legs did not deter her one bit in going on with her life.
Frankie’s first time outdoors after her accident was a new adventure for her. Barbara let her snorkel around in the grass to her hearts content. She has always loved birds and especially loves to chase them. Just then, a big Robin hopped through the yard a few feet away. Frankie was off in a flash! She was that fast- and all with only two legs!
For another three months Frankie underwent physical therapy trying to walk, but her hind legs were paralyzed for life, she would never be able to walk and run like other dogs. Barbara ordered a set of wheels from Eddie’s Wheels (the owner started this company due to their dog, Daisy, also had the same injury).
We asked Barbara how she taught Frankie to walk (or should we say roll?). "If only it had been that easy. I used treats to entice Frankie and help her realize that her back end would roll instead of walk. The first few times out I felt like a child pulling a wheeled toy. Eventually, Frankie gained strength and now looks forward to her walks (or, as we say, rolls).
Soon thereafter many children saw Frankie in her wheels and Barbara told them the story about Frankie. Soon she was talking in schools and in hospitals, to tell children that there is always hope. Life is not over just because you're paralyzed. Life is worth living and Frankie is the happiest dog ever.
