Lieutenant Dan

What the heck have I gotten myself into now?

I know better than to cruise Facebook! I saw this video in a news feed and felt compelled to do something. As I watched the video of an Aussie pup, originally named Tanner, I remembered Anna’s Lewis.

 

I really felt that I could foster him. I learned that he’s in Tuscaloosa… a place I’ve been to many times; a place where I have memories of Shrimp and Cheese Grits!

I called a few Dog Liberators to discuss the possibility and got a positive response, that is until I played the video again in the presence of my son, Ryan.

“Stop, stop, Mom… turn it off, I don’t want to watch that,” he screamed. So much for my plan to foster.  We had a family meeting, and I decided that it was not fair to ask my son to be a part of this… at least not yet.

I researched the posts about the pup, and read his story written by Vanessa Ryan, and sent her an email, asking for more information, here’s what she wrote:

Gisele:

Tanner was brought to the vet in Tuscaloosa after being run over accidentally by his owners at 10 weeks old. They left him there and for some reason and he has been living at the vet ever since, they just love him.

I heard about Tanner a few months ago, and since no one was trying to find him a home, I took it up on myself to try to make his needs public. He has been neutered, gotten all of his shots, and taken to a physical therapist.

The physical therapist said nothing can be done for the pup, but he can actually run around outside on his legs by standing up and bunny hopping. I think with time and exercise he might improve, but living at the vet all day and being kept mostly in a kennel has hindered his progress.

He is very sweet and loves all other dogs and people. He is for the most part incontinent, although if taken out on a regular basis he doesn’t seem to have much of a problem. The therapist said he could benefit from a wheelchair but honestly, he has no problem getting around. ~Nancy

I offered Nancy my help.  Here’s we know:

The pup was donated a wheelchair, that he is enjoying.

You can see more photos of this little guy on Facebook.

01/27/13 Update:  Betsy Rogers visited the pup yesterday, here’s what she wrote:

I visited this pup today in Tuscaloosa. He is a happy little guy and does not know that he is handicapped. 
His caregivers at the veterinarian’s office love him very much, but he needs more than this. He needs a home. He needs a person who is willing to commit to giving him a chance at at life. Will you be that person?

We reached out to Anna Lupacchina, and she recommended  Eddie’s Wheels.  I also called Anita, and she recommended Tinkle Trousers.  

I am waiting for recent videos of him using his wheelchair, and I will post them here as soon as they are available.

I ask for your suggestions, and your help.  Please leave your comments on this post, or email me at TheDogLiberator@gmail.com I’d like to ask that you welcome this pup, and allow him to join our team.

Video of Faith, the Two-Legged Dog, on Oprah

Short Video of Anna’s Lewis and his Wheelchair!