Would we have to put him down?


It was imperceptible at first. Something was wrong but, it was difficult to pin point exactly what. He wasn't walking right. His stride was off and not in a straight line. Then quickly it happened. He wasn't able to control his hind legs. It's my daughter's nine year old German Shepherd 'Sambuca'. Prior to when this problem arose, everything seemed fine. 'Sammy', as we affectionately call him, was a robust happy dog. Now he can hardly stand, much less walk. It's disheartening to see him like this. Our family feels helpless. He's a large dog and weighs 100 pounds. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to carry him if need be.

It first appeared during a visit at the vet. During a routine teeth cleaning, my daughter asked the vet. to check his hind legs...his stride was off. After the exam It was clear something was indeed wrong. His reflexes weren't normal. The veterinarian told us he suspected a form of canine MS. Two recent visits to the Vet's office including two doses of anesthesia caused the disease to surface. She advised trying therapy and a few other treatments, one of which was Acupuncture. 

We were going to have to make a decision and soon. Sammy is a large dog and heavy. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to carry him outdoors each time nature called. His quality of life was in question. The dreaded thought of euthanasia began creeping in. Not an option we were willing to accept. About the same time we were agonizing over what to do, my daughter researched a place that built animal friendly wheelchairs. The company called 'Eddies Wheels', a small business in Massachusetts. We were there the next day. Sammy was put into a demo wheelchair and before he was fully strapped in, he took off across the yard with us running after him. Clearly, this would work. After a number of measurements, to assure a good fit were taken, we placed the order. In the interim, while waiting for Sammy's new chair, we took home a loner wheelchair. For the next week, while we waited for Sammy's new 'ride' he used it everyday. With the two other dogs we walked on a trail behind my house. He was able to keep up with the other dogs. In fact, except for a few minor roll overs, due to the rough terrain and sharp cornering, he did great. His front legs doing all the work while his hind end gets a free ride. His attitude improved instantly.

The word 'Acupuncture' came up again. Would this really work...  Especially on a dog? Paula found a veterinarian that specialized in this procedure. We made an appointment. The results were amazing. Within days, Sammy started regaining use of his rear legs. Shaky at first, he continued to improve to a point where he was able to keep up with the other dogs. Admittedly, up to the time we arrived for the initially Vet's visit I was thinking 'Black Magic', 'Voodoo' or something else. It was good to be wrong in this instance.

It's been about two years since this began. Sammy has done fairly well. He gets acupuncture treatments on a monthly schedule. He is able to walk unassisted. Most of the hard work is done with his front legs. Consequently, his neck and shoulder muscles have developed greatly. He literally climbs up stairs using the strength of his front legs. 

Now, my German Shepherd 'Zack' is ailing. He's showing discomfort in his neck, possibly a strain. Friday he's going to the Vet for Acupuncture...first time. Again, I'm carrying this 'skeptical' thing in my head. Even so, I'm going to try it on him. It's an alternative to drugs. It can't hurt...

Thinking about it...I have a little pain in my shoulder...maybe I could have the Vet stick a few pins in me while I'm there....nah.....(-;