A loving dog owner who saw her pooch suffer from sudden paralysis has shared how she then carried her pooch for three months as a way of helping her walk and run again.
Amanda Mcsharry, who is based in Suffolk in the United Kingdom, shares a very close bond with her 10-year-old Jack Russell-Patterdale cross, Ruby, who she has had since she was 21.
Having returned from visiting her fiancé in Florida, Amanda noticed that Ruby seemed a little stiff, not wanting to jump on her couch and not acting like her normal self.
Amanda thought Ruby might have injured herself while playing with a larger neighboring dog who she is fond of – but having then seen Ruby stumble while walking outside to go to the toilet, Amanda feared something worse may have happened.
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By the time she had gone through the necessary stages and seen a vet, Ruby could only walk two or three steps before collapsing.
She was diagnosed with polyradiculoneuritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the nerves and nerve function, which resulted in a scary few days of deterioration before conditions improved.
Ruby was kept in for close monitoring at an animal hospital, and, at times, she couldn’t lift her head and suffered from incontinence.
When Amanda was then able to take her beloved dog home, she committed to doing everything she could to help Ruby walk again – even if it meant literally carrying her and moving her legs so that the 10-year-old had a normal sense of life.
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Dogs can usually stand or walk within six to nine weeks of such a bout of paralysis, Amanda said, and so she first started carrying Ruby and simulating walking, as well as taking her outside when she needed the toilet.
With the help of a Facebook group linked to Ruby’s condition, Amanda also listened to advice and took Ruby to hydrotherapy before getting a wheelchair when her limbs became a little stronger.
Routine was also key, Amanda said, as she carried out physio sessions three times a day: in the morning, evening, and on her lunch break.
Eventually, Ruby was able to reach the huge milestones of standing and then walking again – which Amanda captured on video and shared in an inspiring post on social media.
Today, Ruby is back to her old self, running around and playing just like before.
Amanda said: “I’ve always said that she’s my soulmate, my soul dog, and so when I saw the trend on TikTok of posting such videos, I decided to share Ruby’s journey.
“I was surprised at the views and likes.
“Even though it’s not that many in the grand scheme of TikTok, the comments of support and encouragement from people were lovely.
“There were lots of moments of tears throughout the whole experience, especially the first moments she sat up, stood on her own, and walked on her own, and now.
“Today, you would never know anything had ever happened to her – she’s back to normal, her muscles are back, and she’s the same wee dog again.
“Whilst she was unwell, there were moments when she had become snappier and grumpier with me, and I think that was down to a lack of autonomy over her own body, as she was always such a tough, independent dog that only likes cuddles on her terms.
“Since she’s recovered, she has a more calm and cuddly personality, and I think it’s partly down to how much time I spent carrying her and almost that she’s grateful to be where she is.”
