Six-month-old GoldenDoodle Lucy has paralysis of her hind end and loss of bladder and bowel function.
High Spirits
A few weeks ago, Lucy was a normal happy-go-lucky puppy who traveled around Ontario with her loving family. All this changed, during a routine spay surgery. Lucy became paralyzed. This absolute sweetheart of a dog is no longer able to walk let alone run. The Neurologist believes Lucy may have suffered a stroke during the operation,
Lucy’s family adored her and did as much as they could for her. The requirements of caring for Lucy became too much for the family. Euthanasia was suggested but the family knew this was not an option for their full spirited little girl, and they made the painful decision to find her a home with someone that can provide the necessary care, and work with Lucy in the hope of building her strength and mobility.
That home is with Melyssah DeVrye, an amazing young woman whose love for dogs is apparent. Melyssah’s other dog Wheeler is not paralyzed but does require the use of a wheelchair. Wheeler has a neurological disorder that limits the use of his back legs. Melyssah is determined to do everything she can to ensure Wheeler and Lucy, receive the treatment they need. Melyssah first learned about Lucy through a post on Facebook. At the time, there weren’t any rescue organizations able to take Lucy and due to her needs, Lucy needed to be in a home environment with constant care. Someone, aware of Melyssah’s experience (with Wheeler), tagged her in the post.
Teamwork
Melyssah met with Lucy and her family. Because of her experience with disabled dogs, the family trusted Melyssah and knew she would be able to provide the support Lucy’s needed. The support that is essential for a successful outcome. Lucy’s future mobility.
Melyssah describes Lucy’s will and determination: “I play with her, I take her out, we do in home physio-therapy including stretches and general movements such as standing. My other dogs help too, as not only does Lucy play and cuddle with me, she plays with the other dogs too. She’s a happy dog. Lucy loves everyone and all animals she meets. I do not see any signs of depression in her what so ever she’s full of ‘spunk’ and always wants to play.
Determination
When asked what is involved with caring for a dog in Lucy’s condition Melyssah explains, “I do her bladder 3-4 times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon, again in the evening and later at night. As for her bowels, I know they need doing because she’ll toot or start sniffing her bottom. I regularly check for UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) as she is prone to them. I also keep her private areas clean to avoid urine burns or rashes. Lucy can only eat half of what a puppy her size would be recommended to eat. Half a cup has been recommended. She requires less food as she is not as active as other dogs her size due to her limited mobility. It is important that Lucy does not become overweight.
Lucy will be going for a rehab consultation at the 404 Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital. The rehabilitation centre is known as Bailey’s place. The team at the hospital are in Lucy’s corner and are taking direct donations to assist with Lucy’s treatment. To make a contribution, please contact the 404 Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital. Let the team know you would like to support Melyssah DeVrye and Lucy.
Therapy Session – photo courtesy of Melyssah
Our present goal is to provide Lucy with rehabilitation, in-depth physio and hydro-therapy, and a drag bag to decrease sores on her legs and bottom. Ultimately, we aim to get Lucy walking again. We realize her left leg may not produce great results. However, we are confident her right leg will start working again. Since I’ve been working with Lucy, doing the physiotherapy stretches it is apparent she has gained some feeling in her right leg and she moves it whenever I pinch her toes.
Positive Outlook
Melyssah is beyond grateful for donations, no matter the amount – every penny counts. Lucy is a typical puppy despite this setback. She is full of life, and as a puppy, Lucy longs to run and play. Lucy recently received a Ruff Rollin wheelchair for outside time; a donation from Mango on a Mission.
Our plan for Lucy is to get her back onto her feet walking again as best she can! She WILL walk again she WILL run again, she WILL chase a ball!
I had the opportunity to meet Melyssah, Lucy, and Wheeler and watch the pups in action, on their wheels. Lucy is a very spirited young dog. After seeing her in action, I have no doubt Lucy will work through this challenge and (hopefully) walk again. In the meantime, she clearly enjoys the mobility she has gained through the use of her new wheels.
Willpower
Christmas is just around the corner; please contribute to Lucy’s future and help make her puppy wishes come true.
Thank you,
Vicki Green says
December 8, 2015 at 9:20 pmI’m glad she seems to be doing well with her wheels, but I hope the therapy helps Lucy to walk again.
Melyssah says
December 9, 2015 at 12:37 amThat’s our hope, although it does appear she’ll likely become a tripod. Left leg shows no signs of improvement, nor do either specialists think it ever will. But we’re hopeful for the right one 🙂
Thanks for reading.
Sadie says
December 9, 2015 at 9:18 pmShe is determined. Such an amazing girl Melyssah. That will make ALL the difference.
Melyssah says
December 9, 2015 at 11:44 pmYes, I do believe it will.
Thanks Sadie.
Beth says
December 10, 2015 at 11:03 amLucy is a darling and she is so fortunate that Melyssah came into her life. Kudos to Lucy’s first family for making the decision to find her a home that could give her the care she needs. I hope you’ll keep us updated on Lucy’s progress.
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Beth says
December 10, 2015 at 11:06 amIs there a direct link for donations? I couldn’t find one on the 404 website.
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Sadie says
December 10, 2015 at 1:25 pmThe 404 Centre can process credit card contributions over the phone. Thanks for asking Beth.
Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:40 pmHi Beth!
If you’d like to make a session donation please call 404 at 905-953-1933 & tell them you’d like make a donation to Lucy DeVrye account # 30837 – if they require my name it’s Melyssah DeVrye.
You can also go in, in person they’re located at 510 Harry Walker Pkwy S, Newmarket, ON L3Y 0B3
Please consider following Lucy on FB @ http://www.facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo
Sadie says
December 10, 2015 at 1:26 pmThe best was made of a sad situation.
Sadie says
December 10, 2015 at 1:27 pmIt’s heartwarming they found each other and must be of some comfort to Lucy’s former family to know she will be cared for by Melyssah. Thanks Beth.
Sweet Purrfections says
December 10, 2015 at 12:00 pmHow wonderful for Melyssah to take in Lucy to give her the care she needs.
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Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:43 pmThank you Sweet Purrfections.
I believe I’m the lucky one to have her.
facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo
Talent Hounds says
December 10, 2015 at 1:10 pmWow- what an angel Melyssah. That is so much work and love. Hopefully with time and physio she may recover . Sounds like you are doing all the right things. Hydrotherapy would be great. Such a sad accident. I hope the vet who did the spay took some responsibility and is helping.
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Sadie says
December 10, 2015 at 1:23 pmThat is a very good question (re vet compensation). Thank you for asking!
Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:46 pmHello Talent Hounds,
Unfortunately the vet is not helping, because the specialist cannot pin point exactly when it happened. Whether it was afterwards when taking her back to the kennel to wake up, or getting her into the car etc. It may have happened after – at home, she could have tripped or something too due to the anesthetic. So basically it’s coming directly out of my own pocket.
facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo
Lauren Miller says
December 10, 2015 at 5:48 pmOh wow! What an incredible story! That’s amazing that she’s starting to regain some of her feeling! What a wonderful lady for taking care of those pups!
Sadie says
December 10, 2015 at 6:39 pmShe is wonderful! Thanks Lauren.
Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:47 pmHi Lauren,
Thank you for the comment – Lucy is doing well. We hope she’ll continue to progress with each therapy session 🙂
facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo
Carleen says
December 10, 2015 at 6:13 pmLooks like she is doing well with her cart. Hopefully the PT helps!
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Sadie says
December 10, 2015 at 6:41 pmFrom what I hear from Melyssah, it seems to be helping. Thanks, Carleen.
Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:49 pmHi Carleen,
PT has been helping Lucy’s right leg. We’re continuing to attempt to help the left. Even if she came out of this as “worse case scenario ” a tripod she can still live a happy life 🙂
facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo
M. K. Clinton says
December 10, 2015 at 11:21 pmI am so happy that hse has someone experienced that can help her live a long and happy life. I hope that she improves with therapy. God bless them. ♥
Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:51 pmM. K. Clinton,
Thanks for your kind words.
facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo
Dogvills says
December 11, 2015 at 5:27 amLucy is such a sweet dog. I hope she gets better with the therapy.
Sadie says
December 11, 2015 at 1:18 pmShe is a DOLL! Thanks for visiting us Dogvills.
Melyssah says
December 11, 2015 at 3:53 pmDogvills,
Thanks for reading Lucy’s story & taking the time to comment on it. Our hope is to continue hydro therapy each session broken down is $38.85 (16 sessions $550) we’re giving her a limit of 6 months and will reevaluate her progress in that time frame.
facebook.com/teamwheelsxoxo