Dogs truly strive to make their humans proud and happy in every way possible. Sadly, there are times when humans don’t reciprocate that love.
A devoted dog named Avellana found herself at a local shelter after being surrendered by her owner due to her paralysis.
Her owner, who engaged in hunting, abandoned her because of her condition. Fortunately, the dedicated staff at the shelter committed to ensuring that this pup would never experience letdown again.
Life at The Shelter
Avellana arrived at the shelter feeling lost and heartbroken. She was left without understanding why her owner was no longer with her or why she couldn’t move her body.
“She could barely lift her head and was unable to move her legs. It was evident she had been this way for some time,” said Tina Solera in an interview with The Dodo.
After a thorough examination, the staff discovered that her paralysis stemmed from inflammation affecting her entire nervous system.
Fortunately, Avellana was in capable hands.
The shelter was filled with amazing, kind-hearted individuals who were not only well-trained but also exceedingly patient.
They understood her predicament and recognized how frightened she must have felt. However, they were amazed by how well-behaved she was during her time at the shelter.
“It must be terrifying to suddenly be unable to move, and yet she was never angry or complained,” Tina remarked.
Rehabilitation Phase
Once Avellana got comfortable, the shelter staff initiated exercises with her to help her regain the ability to walk.
One exercise involved placing a large inflatable ball under her belly to assist her in standing on her paws.
They also utilized a special mat to rub her paws, encouraging movement.
Before long, Avellana could wiggle her feet on her own!
Additionally, swimming was part of her regimen. Regular trips to the pool helped motivate her movement and reinforced the idea that walking again was within reach.
To maintain her overall health, Avellana enjoyed daily strolls in a pushchair, engaging with other dogs along the way and motivating her to join in and play.
First Steps
All the relentless work and persistence began to yield results. Avellana started taking steps!
“She went from being unable to stand to taking one or two steps, even with assistance; we knew we were making progress. Gradually, each limb began to move independently,” Tina shared.
As Avellana heard more words of encouragement, her determination to succeed grew stronger.
When the shelter staff witnessed Avellana’s initial steps, their hearts swelled with joy.
With time, this remarkable pup regained her ability to walk and run independently—no assistance needed!
She was thrilled to be back on her paws, frolicking and playing with the other dogs at the shelter, fully embracing her freedom.
However, the good news didn’t end with her newfound ability to walk.
A woman named Anne learned about this incredibly resilient dog and fell in love at first sight.
She contacted the shelter, expressing her desire to offer Avellana a forever home.
Final Thoughts
Avellana now thrives in a warm and loving home, surrounded by wonderful humans, and she even has furry siblings.
She delights in outdoor playdates and walks, and she is thankful for the chance to enjoy life once more.
“There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing one of your rescues living a life far better than they ever knew,” Tina reflected.
