Special Needs Puppy with Paralysed Hindlimbs

The lovely, gorgeous baby Leah - she is the image of the perfect Jack Russell. She has stunning markings, is full of personality and loves a rough and tumble. A lovely lady we met on a walk stated it perfectly - 'dogs don't worry about what they don't have, but just love what they do'. Leah does not feel sorry for herself, and is the epitome of a happy puppy!

Leah is approximately 1 year and 4 months old, and at around 1 year old was hit by a car, which has resulted in her losing most function of her back legs. She is able to feel her paws, and sometimes when she isn't off and going as fast as she can, she can prop herself up on all four limbs and take a few steps - her left back leg is the strongest. Since being in care we have made sure to continue physiotherapy on Leah's legs, and have noticed that she is already more willing to use them. However, it is very very unlikely that Leah will ever have full function, or much improvement at all, in the back legs and as such, will need a new family who is willing to help her with this. She has a wheelchair, which she actually finds slows her down a bit, however she is getting used to it. Obviously Leah isn't able to be in the wheelchair all day anyway, and as such it is important that her new family are able to care for sores she can develop on her legs - we use bandages at the moment but something like a baby onesie would be great.

Another consideration with Leah is that she is incontinent - we, her carers, are able to show her new family how to help her urinate, however there is no method to help her defecate and so she is prone to going and she doesn't realise she is doing it. Again, nappies may be good if she was able to get used to them - and tiles are also helpful to clean up easily!!

Leah still loves adventures - we carry her on some walks and then let her down to run in her wheelchair or pull herself along if the ground is soft - a pet carrier that can be used as a back or chest pack would be ideal for her. She is very good with other dogs, and whilst timid to start with, really just wants to play. Leah also LOVES to sunbath, and will happily sit outside with you all day. She isn't a huge fan of car rides, so needs comforting during these trips, but calms again as soon as the car slows and she hops out - she always loves the destination! Whilst Leah has her disability, she is still very much a puppy - she chews up all her toys and LOVES it, she bites still when she plays, and has mad crazy times throughout the day before wanting to be rocked to sleep! As such, Leah will be suited to a family likely without young children, as her nibbling and playing is quite rough at the moment with her being so young! But also needs a family who appreciates that her disability does not stop her wanting to do everything.

Leah is up to date on vaccinations, flea and worm treatment and is desexed and microchipped. Please contact Gemma, her carer, on 0435939858 for more information.