Langley Advance

Site updated Tuesday, November 28, 2006 10:08 AM

LAPS: Injured dog walks again

A dog taken in by the Langley Animal Protection Society is on the road to recovery.

by Matthew Claxton

Patches, the dog who mysteriously lost the use of her back legs in September, is up and mobile again at the Langley Animal Shelter.

Shelter director Sean Baker said she has recovered between 60 and 70 per cent of the use of her legs in the past few months.

The friendly female American bull dog was discovered in rural central Langley, partially paralyzed after an unknown accident. [Restoring the dog's mobility, Sept. 15, Langley Advance.]

She had no tags, so the shelter took on the task of getting medical care.

The friendly dog became a favourite of staff and volunteers at the shelter.

"She's quite a friendly dog with people," said Baker.

With a loaned Doggone Wheels canine wheelchair, the staff began taking her for regular walks.

Eventually, she began standing on her hind legs and then taking a few tentative steps.

Baker said water therapy at the Aldergrove Veterinarian Clinic has been a big help.

Patches is now walking most of the time, although one leg is still stronger than the other. She is being fostered with a LAPS volunteer, and will spend two to three weeks more building up her muscle mass.

Then she will be ready for adoption, Baker said.

The shelter will begin looking for a permanent home for Patches soon.

Part of Patches' medical bills has been covered by donations from the public. After the story on Patches first ran in the Advance, Langley residents donated about $1,000 for her care.

published on 11/28/2006