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‘Tennis Ball Is Life’ for Paralyzed Dog Who Refuses to Let Hit-and-Run Dim Her Spirit
Natalie Hoage
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Meet Velvet, an adorable 1-½-year-old Labrador mix with a heart of gold. Despite a rough start to life, this sweet girl’s story is one full of hope. Currently living with a foster family, Velvet wants nothing more than to have a permanent home and family to call her own.
When Velvet Was Found, She Was Unable to Walk
It was a cold December day when Velvet was picked up by San Antonio Animal Care Services. Hoping she had a family looking for her, the clinic checked for any information about who she might belong to. She had no microchip, no collar, and no way to determine if she had an owner or how she ended up living on the streets as a stray.
Staff believed the pup had been hit by a car and had been living with the traumatic injury for an extended period. X-rays confirmed Velvet was paralyzed in her back legs and she had open wounds from dragging herself around since her rear legs were immobile. Velvet was also severely underweight.
Velvet’s Luck Turns Around
Sara Cleboski is a Veterinary Technician at the clinic where Velvet was being cared for. She thought Velvet was adorable and could see the pup had an incredible will to live, seemingly unbothered by her disability. “Velvet had a tennis ball in her mouth, waiting in her cage for someone to play. She didn’t seem to think she was any different from other dogs,” Sara recalled. “She was the happiest dog in the clinic, with a smile on her face anytime someone gave her attention!”
Sara instantly fell in love with Velvet’s joyful spirit. She was surprised by how quickly the paralyzed pup bounced back and embraced her new life. While working at the clinic, Sara said, “Velvet couldn’t wait to get moving. I put her in a donated wheelchair, and she took to it immediately – running, jumping, chasing balls. She never let anything slow her down. Her will to live was so strong that I couldn’t let her be euthanized!”
On the day Velvet was scheduled to be euthanized, Sara made a life-changing decision and took the resilient pup home as a foster.
Fortunately, the Footbridge Foundation, a local animal rescue, agreed to assist with Velvet’s medical recovery and expenses. Sara took on the task of guiding Velvet through her rehabilitation process, which began as soon as the pup arrived at her new foster home.
“She immediately started cold laser therapy, orthopedic manipulation therapy (chiropractic therapy) three times a week, as well as therapy workouts at home with us,” Sara explained. “Velvet is now able to walk, run, and jump!” She added with a laugh, “She has her own unique, goofy walk. She’s improving every day – our little miracle dog!”
Velvet Is Ready to Find A Family To Call Her Own
Velvet took the second chance she was given and decided to live her best life. There’s nothing she loves more than playing. “She loves to play – with people, dogs, and anyone who will join her!” Sara says. Velvet can endlessly play fetch and enjoys exploring the great outdoors. She can also entertain herself, throwing toys around and then chasing after them.
Velvet has a bright, warm personality and is a big fan of cuddling and spending time with her loved ones. “She gets so excited just to be next to you,” Sara notes. And every night, Velvet waits for her foster mom to tuck her in…literally! “We tell her it’s bedtime and she goes to her bed, waiting for us to wrap her in a blanket. Only after that will she lay down and go to sleep.”
If you’re looking for a devoted, gentle pup to add to your family, Velvet could be the perfect match. She just needs a patient family to provide her with the security, guidance, and love she craves. Could it be yours? Learn more at the Footbridge Foundation website or send them a message here.
