Dog’s partial paralysis prompts owner to create disabled pets website

When Sharon Seltzer, co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society in Las Vegas, adopted Sophie from the Nevada SPCA about 15 years ago, the shepherd mix puppy was a happy bundle of energy.

Fast-forward about 10 years, and Sophie began showing her age.

“We have a 3-mile loop near our house where we’d walk her,” said Seltzer, a Henderson resident. “We noticed her going slower, falling behind.”

Soon, there were other signs. Sophie’s back legs would slip out from underneath her for no reason. A trip to the vet was in order. Tests were run. Various conditions were ruled out. Eventually, Sophie was seen by an animal neurologist who could not give a definite diagnosis, but it was obvious that she was partially paralyzed.

“I have seen other dogs who were partially paralyzed, so in my head, I went, ‘Oh, my gosh, I know what’s going to happen,’ ” Seltzer said. “I knew she was soon not going to be able to walk or go to the bathroom on her own. So, I kind of knew, but at the same time, it was really frightening.”

She went on the Internet but found it frustrating trying to locate information that would make life more comfortable for her furry companion.

As a result, Seltzer created Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog, a website for others with dogs and cats who are facing their pet’s paralysis, partial immobility and neurological problems. It provides information, support, resources and helpful hints. It also steers them to products that can help pets adjust to life with paralysis.

The challenges are many. Paralyzed pets are more prone to urinary tract infections. They can suffer from pressure sores. Their beds need to be of a certain depth for easy access.

Seltzer made adjustments around the house — placing carpet swatches on the tile floor for better traction, buying a wheelchair and stroller off the Internet and locating the bed best suited to Sophie’s needs.

Susan Hayley discovered the website when her rescue dog, Charlie, 9, began exhibiting perplexing signs — walking oddly and having his back legs cross “so he looked like he was drunk.”

Charlie underwent two surgeries for a compressed spinal defect and is now on the mend. Hayley used Seltzer’s site to find a book on physical therapy for pets, dog boots and tips to make Charlie’s life easier.

“It helps to have somebody in your corner who knows what you’re going through,” Hayley said.

Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog is also a sounding board. It encourages guardians to share their pet’s situation and inform others of products they found helpful. Everyone who has been through this experience has a story to tell.

Sophie was a paraplegic for five years before she died in 2013.

“My family learned to live a new normal way of life,” Seltzer said. “We played games with Sophie, went for walks using a cart and enjoyed our time together.”

How would she respond to those who say, “Just put the dog down?”

“We call it a new normal, just with some changes,” Seltzer said. “There’s not a need. If they’re not in pain and are enjoying life … would you put down a human being just because they’re paralyzed?”

For more information, visit lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com.

Contact Summerlin Area View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 702-387-2949.