It’s definitely puppy love
UNTIL you’ve seen a sixweek-old miniature dachshund have a go at an underwater treadmill, you don’t know the meaning of cute. Little Peggy had a lame leg, but thanks to Noel Fitzpatrick’s superduper doggy physio, now there’s no stopping her.
This is a ‘what happened next?’ series, which revisits some of the most dramatic and emotional cases that have been captured over the six years of this show.
And in order to absolutely make sure we tune in, clever producers have given us an irresistible first episode all about puppies.
“The team here goes all gooey when a puppy comes in,” says Noel, “and we get no work done for about half an hour.”
“We’re terrible,” agrees receptionist Charlotte. “We love them, it’s so exciting. Everyone in the office comes out to see.”
Among the puppy patients in the episode are West Highland terrier Rodney, who was born without back feet. Noel suggested prosthetics with an extraordinary procedure, resulting in a world-first operation – but did it change Rodney’s life for the better?
Elsewhere, we catch up with bulldog puppy
Chica, who had fractured her elbow after owner Sean accidentally dropped her after having her for just one day.
The intricate process, involving screws in soft bone tissue, left little margin for error.
And rescue dog Elvis had a unique spinal implant to help with his back legs.
His journey was a heart-breaking roller coaster of emotions, but six years on and owners Jane and Simon have no regrets.