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My basic info
Breed
English Springer Spaniel
Color
White - with Brown or Chocolate
Age
Puppy
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
2015-366ND
My details
Good with dogs
Purebred
Shots current
Has special needs
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
ESRA#: 2015-366ND
Status: Available
Age: 3 months
Gender: Male
Color: Liver & White
Weight: 10 lbs
Variety: Field
Click here to see Wheels on the move!
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For this special puppy, Wheels is both a name and an inspirational cheer. Wheels was born with a congenital defect of his spine, which causes weakness in his hind legs and an unsteady gait. He was seen by a neurologist at the University of Minnesota, who diagnosed Wheels with spina bifida, a malformation of the spinal cord and vertebrae. In his case, several vertebrae have stacked up, leaving a visible bump in his back.
In all other ways, Wheels is a healthy, growing pup. He loves to play with his canine foster siblings, often instigating the game by barking and play-growling. He loves to eat, and he wastes no time in the morning letting his people know that he's hungry and it's time for breakfast!
Wheels knows his name and comes when he's called. He loves exploring the yard and the house, chewing on rawhides, playing with toys, and snuggling with his people at the end of the day. When he sleeps, he likes to burrow his head into the crook of an arm or the fold of a blanket.
This little cutie is well behaved in his crate when his foster family is away, and he can sleep through the night without a potty break. Wheels is well on his way to housetraining, although that's still a work in progress.
The neurologist suggested limiting the number of stairs Wheels uses. While he can use his back legs to push himself up a staircase, he has difficulty going down and sometimes tumbles. Therefore, a home with as few stairs as possible will be best for him.
What is the prognosis for Wheels? It is unlikely that surgery will be an option. Until Wheels is skeletally mature at around eight to ten months of age, the vet suggested that he should continue to be his puppy self and that his people monitor him for changes or pain.
Of course, Wheels doesn't know he has a disability. He is tenacious, he is happy, and he is proof that it's hard to keep a good dog down!
We are in search of a special adoptive home for Wheels, as he deserves the love and support of a family committed to nurturing him and helping him lead a healthy canine life. If you'd like to learn more about Wheels, please contact his case managers at the e-mail address below.
Please note that an approved adoption application is the first step in a more thorough interview process that is designed to match each dog to exactly the right family, and that the final decision rests with the dog's case manager.
Please read the Adoption FAQ and get an Adoption Application approved before inquiring about Wheels.
Contact: ESRA Case Managers, Ellie Starks and Rebecca Thompson springerrescuemidwest@gmail.com.
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