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Posted over 10 years ago
| Updated over 10 years ago
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
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My basic info
Breed
Wheaten Terrier
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
Has special needs
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
In September 2013, Doolittle was picked-up by animal control after receiving a call that a dog had been hit by a car and could not walk on his own. According to Animal Control he was a neighborhood stray that had been roaming for quite some time, but it was unknown whether he was abandoned or was allowed to run loose by his owners. A rescuer from another group contacted Best Friend Dog & Animal Adoption about this dog. It was believed that he had a "broken back" since he couldn't get up.
Surprisingly Doolittle was found standing on his own the following morning after being given pain medication, but began to slightly drag his hind legs shortly thereafter. This adorable and affectionate boy was scheduled to be euthanized the following morning as no one had come to claim him. Best Friend agreed to take Doolittle under its wing and he was picked up from the shelter immediately.
He was taken to the veterinarian where radiographs revealed that there were no fractures or breaks. He was given pain medication for a few days, but once he was off the meds he began to drag his hind legs even more and was obviously in pain.
Doolittle was then brought to a neurologist and an MRI was done. It was discovered that Doolittle did not, in fact, have a broken back. Doolittle had a very badly herniated disk and surgery requiring three months recovery was necessary in order to give him any possible chance of regaining the ability to walk. Doolittle was given that chance.
Post-surgery Doolittle spent a short time in a temporary foster home then was transferred to a local veterinary hospital after taking a small step back in his rehabilitation. Best Friend's volunteers visited with Doolittle frequently and only heard good things about his personality and behavior from the staff caring for him. Even with all the new people, transitions, surgery and restricted activity he’s experienced over the past several weeks Doolittle has been and continues to be a friendly and happy boy.
Doolittle was fitted with a wheelchair so he can go for walks and "do his business". His wheelchair will also be an integral part of his rehabilitation as when he’s in it he moves his rear legs as if he’s walking. The wheelchair will support his weight for him and will keep his spine as straight as possible during his therapy.
A few days after being fitted for the chair, Doolittle had a set back. He wouldn't eat, and wouldn't get up. He was then taken to Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ.
Doolittle has a chronic condition called Intervertebral Disk Disease, or IVDD. This is a degenerative change wherein the disks cushioning the spine bulge into the spinal canal. When disc material ruptures, it compresses the spinal cord causing a wobbly gait which can progress to complete paralysis.
Doolittle had another MRI of his spine which showed a disk extrusion at the thoracic vertebrae in his mid-back region. Doolittle underwent a hemilaminectomy; a corrective surgery to relieve the compression on his spine. This is his second corrective spinal surgery to date.
Doolittle has been doing well at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. He has been showing slow but steady improvement over the past week. He has been very bright and affectionate despite his operation. He is being cared for by a team of nurses and doctors providing pain management, physical therapy and lots of TLC.
It is not yet certain that Doolittle will be able to walk on his own again but whether he does or not one thing IS certain- that he is fully capable of living a quality life.
Doolittle is an approximately 7-8 year old male Wheaten Terrier mix and weighs 56 pounds. He is up-to-date on vaccines and is currently intact but will be neutered once he is past his rehabilitation from spinal surgery. This sweet and loving boy looks just like the dog, Lucky, in the movie "Dr. Dolittle" with Eddie Murphy. He has gentle eyes that look at you in a way you feel you are looking back into the windows of his soul.
Doolittle needs a foster or permanent home where he can continue resting while receiving the love and care he so deserves and is overdue. If you have a caring heart willing to commit to and care for this special needs boy please contact Lauren DeNoma at 908-425-0008.
Doolittle has a support team available and happy to explain his special needs in detail to anyone interested in fostering or adopting him. Best Friend’s volunteers along with someone with several years of experience in caring for dogs similar to Doolittle are working together on his care regiment.
Doolittle has his very own Facebook page. Please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/HelpDoolittle
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