Monk's Journey to Walk

Watch the journey of this sweet and determined dog as he tries to walk for the first time.

At just a couple of days old, Monk was found with his 8 siblings and mom almost frozen to death and starving on a cold front porch in December, 2008. By the time he was rescued by AARF, 7 of his siblings had died. He was only a third the size of his sister and his mother refused to nurse him. His foster mom hand-fed him, but he was so weak and sick that all liquid seeped out of his skin. He survived that only to get an abscess on his tail, causing the majority of it to be removed.

He was then diagnosed with hemivertebrae, which means 2 of his vertebrae were shaped like wedges instead of squares, resulting in no nerve transmission to his back legs. The doctor was able to perform surgery to decompress the vertebrae to allow Monk to grow, but there was no hope of him walking again. Our only hope was that he could be fitted for a wheelchair, which would allow him to use his front legs to walk.

However, while awaiting the surgery (and continuing to grow), Monk's front legs fused into a 90-degree angle, meaning he was unable to straighten them. He developed pain in his front legs and the vet determined that his growth plates had become severely deformed. He had also dislocated both of his back hips beyond repair. The outlook was very grim and we were faced with the decision to put him down.

But then a miracle happened. His pain subsided and he started pushing up on his front legs. He then tried to stand on his back legs. And before we knew it, he was trying to walk. He can now walk across our yard - almost 100 feet. He resembles a fawn taking its first steps, but he's doing it!!

We are fitting him for a wheelchair so he can get where he wants to go a lot faster than he does now. If you would like to donate to his fund, please go to AARF's website: www.aarf.org

Throughout his very difficult life, Monk's spirit has never faltered. Many people, myself included, debated whether keeping him alive was the humane thing to do; but once you meet this dog, there is no question that he has the fight and the will to survive. I have no doubt he will be running around for years to come.

I hope you enjoy this video and share it with others as an inspirational journey of a very determined and unbelievably sweet dog.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• disabled
• dog

[MattBlytheTheOne]

Try putting a sling under his tummy. Might be able to take him for short walks while he waits for his wheelychair *BLESS*

[MattBlytheTheOne]

GOD look ! He is even wagging his tail :' )

[MattBlytheTheOne]

Looks like his back was broken :/ Bless him and praying for a full miracle <3

[Vrictus]

This dog is an example that animals have souls. Such perserverance is amazing.

[Eringobragh1216]

I read this and literally started crying. Thank you for taking care of this fragile animal with the strongest spirit. I went already to the site and donated what little I could...

[vprman123]

this animal has an amazing spirit. Thank you for working so hard with him. Best of luck to you.

[teddybearrx]

Oh my eyes are filled up with tears. This dog deserves all you are dong for him. I'm so happy for him and you guys. Its just amazing how he tries so hard. Really you guys are an angel sent from heaven to him to be able to try to do so much for him. OH this video almost made me cry.

[dajawak]

im so happy for that dog!

i hope he gets there eventually

[iamegggirl]

What a beautiful dog. I'm so happy you didn't put him down. He can still have a happy life in a wheelchair. Thanks for sharing.