Zorro is a red dachshund that was surrendered by his family, to Huntsville Animal Services little over seven months ago. He was brought there by the grandfather of the 'owner'. Supposedly "Zero" (that is what they had called him) was jumping up to get a bird and "twisted" his back. Initially their vet had suggested crate rest and medication - then surgery, if the rest and medication did not work. Zero was made to remain in that state for 28 days - until he came to Huntsville Animal Services. Apparently the owner decided that she couldn't afford the surgery and just 'hoped the meds would start working'. When her vet told her that they would not, that she'd need to put Zero in diapers and get him a wheelchair, her response was to abandon him at the shelter.
Huntsville Animal Services does a great job with networking dogs in this area, and they immediately contacted Karen Borden who is President of Dixie Dachshund Rescue. Though Karen's foster homes were all full, she immediately started working to find Zero a place to go.
With this uplifting news, one of directors at Peace Love and Animals (Rose Breiner) took in Zero as her own personal foster. Rose has many dogs of her own, but this little guy had just spoken to her heart and she knew she could help him!
Rose's husband Dennis is an engineer - and after many pleas for a wheelchair went unanswered, Dennis just went ahead and BUILT ONE! With PVC pipe and bicycle training wheels, Zero - renamed Zorro - can now get around like a champ!
In the meantime, Zorro went to Dr. Skidmore in Huntsville for evaluation. After evaluation Dr. Skidmore contacted Birmingham to talk to the specialists there. He REALLY didn’t think surgery would do anything because it had been over 28 days. He said the SAD thing was that when it first happened, he would probably have been a GREAT candidate for completely rehabilitative surgery - he probably would have done great because Zorro does have feeling when you "pinch" his feet, he pulls away. He wagged his tail and he potties on his own. Dr. Skidmore felt that Zorro would be a GREAT candidate for physical therapy. Dr. Skidmore felt that good physical therapy could help him a lot!
Zorro went to Animal Rehab Fitness Clinic in Birmingham, AL. Dr Grant from, the Rehab center, recommended therapy.
A veterinary acupuncturist was consulted in August to determine if acupuncture would be the type of therapy that would help with Zorro’s recovery. After a few treatments, results were seen as Zorro started to walk even more. Dr Berscheider the acupuncturist recommended water therapy, where treadmill is placed in a tank of water.
Dr Fastenrath from facility in Huntsville was located and Zorro underwent 10 treatments at a cost of $450 dollars. It is amazing how much improvement Zorro has made leaps and bounds in his ability to walk but could use another round of 10 treatments to further build his strength in his rear legs. We are trying to raise the money as we speak to restart Zorro’s treatment.
Everyone who meets this precious little guy just LOVES him! We would LOVE for Zorro to find his forever home; one that can continue to provide Zorro the physical therapy activity he needs. Can you be Zorro’s forever home? Zorro is only 4 years old, and has many happy years of scooting around ahead of him. For more information, please contact karenb@kw.com
