Belle using the Biko Brace, degenerative myelopathy RIP Belle 5/24/10

This is the third time Belle has used the Biko Brace (July 2, 2009). It has kept her back legs from crossing, and tripping herself. Got it from Animal Rehabilitation and Wellness Institute, North Carolina www.arwi.com
She is 12-13 yo (got her from a shelter), has degenerative myelopathy RIP 5/24/10

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• canine degenerative myelopathy
• biko brace
• degenerative myelopathy
• paralyzed dog
• myelopathy
• dog wheel chair
• handicapped dog
• german shepherd

[jdlmcp]

On 4/17/11 I got a 4 month old GSD that needed a home. Coincidence or FATE? I got Bellie on 4/17/98......I believe that Bellie sent me this puppy because I've missed her so much. I still do.....

[RancidHeart]

I lost my shepherd, Axlerod, when he was only a year and a half old to hip displaysia. He was a rescue, but he was my big fluffy angel for the time that I had him.

[jdlmcp]

@RancidHeart I'm so sorry about Axlerod. No words can describe the pain of losing a dog. I've been heartbroken for a year...and still am. However, I believe in my heart that Bellie sent Lucy to me; A GSD that needed a home. I got Bellie on 4/17/98 at a shelter and Lucy needed a home and I ended up getting her.....on 4/17/11. I believe Bellie sent her to me....because I was so heartsick. I still miss Bellie so much, but Lucy has helped me have happy good memories and not be so sad.

[MegaEstrella23]

German shepherds are the best dogs ever it's sad their hips start to fall at a young age mi bear was only 8 years it was sad when he couldn't walk anymore i didn't want to put him to sleep but I didn't want him to suffer anymore I miss my baby : (.

[jdlmcp]

@MegaEstrella23 so sorry about Bear, I understand how you feel......although Bellie eventually became paralyzed in the back end and ended up in a wheelchair, DM is painless....thankfully....so she didn't suffer. It wasn't easy though.....harnesses, wheelchair...she was a trooper....a true German Shepherd...when her front legs weakened from the strain of holding all her weight.....we had to let her go....devastating....I'm still heartbroken without her

[PauleQueenie]

sorry you lost such beautiful dog to myelopathy

[jdlmcp]

@PauleQueenie thank you.......I'll be heart broken forever, she was the sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever met....I was truly blessed in my life to have found her (at a shelter in 1998)....the love of my life

[dualsweat]

Great dog. Hard to watch...poor babe.

[rodrop]

I am so sorry about Bellie..what a sweet looking doggie. I feel your pain, this is not a good disease for these wonderful doggies. I hope you keep your memories close to your heart.

[jdlmcp]

@rodrop

Bellie passed away 5/24; when her front legs failed that day. She hadn't been able to walk on her back legs (dragging totally behind her) for about 5 months. We used a comfort lift harness to get her in and out, and she dragged herself around....youtube clips on aquatherapy and wheelchair use for Bellie. Join degenerative myelopathy list....very helpful...so much help