MIRACLE DOG
Paralyzed pup walks again after successful rescue effort
WESTVINCENT » A neglected dog arrived at Ludwigs Corner Veterinary Hospital with the hope of healing from caregivers surrounding him.
Advocate Lakin Harmon rescued this gentle dog, named Teddy Bear, back then the pup was known as Prince Harry, this past summer
from a licensed breeder in Lancaster. The dog, considered being between seven and nine years old, direly needed medical treatment.
Harmon is the founder of Zoe’s House based in Reading. The nonprofit rescues “broken dogs, just looking to be loved.”
Teddy had spent most his life inside a cage as a breeding dog at a Lancaster
“We are a grassroots organization, working tirelessly to rescue dogs from situations that no creature should ever endure. We give lifesaving medical attention, hope for a better future and a loving human touch some have never known, and find them their forever home.” — Lakin Harmon
County puppy mill.
This resulted in a serious medical diagnosis in July, gained thanks to rescuers and the expertise of Ludwigs Corner Veterinary Hospital, which included multifocal degenerative intervertebral disc disorder among other issues.
“We see and treat many dogs and cats from rescue situations. It is particularly heart-wrenching when they have a devastating condition with a poor prognosis,” said Gillian Harclerode, a veterinarian medical doctor at Ludwigs.
Harclerode said she was very concerned after diagnosing a traumatized puddle with a condition involving paralysis of his hind legs. When he was presented to the hospital, he could not walk. He also had difficulty urinating.
Zoe’s House focuses on recusing local dogs in Reading and unwanted dogs at puppy mills. The nonprofit offers life-saving medical care, grooming, training and supplies, rescuing more than 2,700 dogs since 2012.
“We are a grassroots organization, working tirelessly to rescue dogs from situations that no creature should ever endure,” Harmon said. “We give life-saving medical attention, hope for a better future and a loving human touch some have never known, and find them their forever home.”
“What makes it rewarding for us is the reciprocation of love from the adopted families and the dogs. I can’t tell you how many times they save each other.” — Lakin Harmon
Philly regional effort
And while a Good Samaritan in Berks County recused Teddy from a Lancaster County puppy mill, he ended up not only receiving medical care in Chester County at Ludwigs Corner Veterinary Hospital, but then becoming a foster dog of Michelle Weirch, who lives in Delaware County.
When Weirch first met the senior dog, he was paralyzed.
After a week of companionship, however, to Weirch’s surprise, she said one day she looked outside the window and saw him running in her backyard. He could walk again. He could run. He was a cheerful dog.
The joy of movement, freedom, coupled with the power of unconditional love, proved healing.
“I became involved in animal rescue because I wanted to make a real difference in the lives of animals,” Weirch said. “I feel privileged to be a part of a community of committed animal lovers that works every day to transform the lives of animals that have suffered through neglect or abuse.”
Weirch has worked with dog rescuers across the Greater Philadelphia Region for the last decade
and serves as a foster parent prior to the hundreds of rescued pups since then, caring for them during their journeys to find forever homes.
“We offer them the love, care, and comfort that they — and all animals — deserve. Every time I place a dog in its forever home I am grateful to the adopter and to the breeder who gave up the dog giving it a chance for a better life,” Weirch said. “As long as consumers continue to buy dogs from breeders I know that I and my rescue friends will work every day to save as many dogs as we can. This is a lifelong commitment. Sadly, the quest to save animals in need never ends.”
Yet, thanks to individuals such as Weirch of Glen Mills and the folks at Ludwigs Corner Veterinary Hospital in Chester County, there is a desire to make a difference, and prove the impossible is possible.
Every life counts
“I was elated to hear that Harry (now known as Teddy) successfully recovered from his acute injury and was able to urinate and walk again,” said vet Harclerode of Ludwigs. “Thankfully, rescue organizations such as Zoe’s House allow veterinary hospitals like Ludwigs to care for these animals and give them a second chance. We certainly wish (the pup) all the best and a long, happy life with a loving family.”
“It truly takes a village,” said Harmon, the founder of Zoe’s House. She noted that volunteers are always welcomed to help and roles needed range from foster parents to drivers to transport rescued pups.
Zoe’s House paid thousands of dollars in medical fees to get Teddy ready for adoption.
“What makes it rewarding for us is the reciprocation of love from the adopted families and the dogs. I can’t tell you how many times they save each other,” Harmon said.
Journey home
C.J. Susko is a retiree who has lived in Northampton, near Allentown, for the last 45 years.
She lost her last dog about two years ago. This past summer, she found herself finally ready to rescue a new pup to bring into her home for companionship.
“I am alone, I’m retired, and I thought, ‘I think I’m ready for a rescue,’” Susko said.
Her daughter, Martine Ott of Blue Bell, began helping her mom look for a rescue dog available for adoption.
“Prince Harry caught my eye,” she said. “I remained him Teddy because he looks like a bear. His name is Teddy Bear now — Teddy Bear Susko.”
Susko said when she watches the early videos of Teddy in foster care — when he still couldn’t walk — “it chokes me up with tears.”
When Susko pursued adopting Teddy, she was told he was paralyzed. Then Weirch reached out with a surprise update.
“She told me he started walking,” Susko recalled, speaking through tears.
“He’s doing remarkably well,” Susko said. She noted that he’s still fearful of loud noises, such as the roar of the vacuum cleaner, but he’s getting adjusted day by day.
Susko officially adopted Teddy on Oct. 30, and it’s been a little more than a month since he’s arrived at her home.
“I’m working on his training,” she said. “He’s a senior gentleman.”
Susko said Teddy loves to play, and she enjoys taking him out on playdates with close friends. “He’s coming out of his shell and he’s doing really well.”
Susko said Teddy still walks a bit awkwardly, however, he’s getting stronger every day and doing really well, concurrently.
“He just makes me smile, I can’t wait to get up in the morning to see him,” Susko said. “He’s just really cute.”
When Susko reflects on
Teddy’s life before her, and the fact he spent years inside a cage without the ability to walk around, tears emerge with both notes of compassion for the love he’s given her and grief in consideration for what he’s endured prior to coming to her home.
“It’s actually heartbreaking,” Susko said. “He’s come a long way. He’s adorable.”
Susko said she hopes people rescue unwanted dogs instead of buying them. “I hope they condemn puppy mills,” she said.
Of Teddy, she said simply, “He’s a delight.”
To support the rescue of dogs from puppy mills in Southeastern Pennsylvania, visit www.zoeshouserescue. com.