Mr. Squishy!
UPDATE!! September, 2009!!
See any feathers
yet? They think I'm a duck!! Big smile...
SEPTEMBER, 2009! And now, for a word from Squishy's Mom, Wendy!!
"Squishy Boy thanks everyone at SND for their continued support! Regular hydrotherapy and physical rehabilitation are critical to keeping him active and as mobile as possible. He continues to go for hydrotherapy weekly to keep his muscles conditioned and he also does physical therapy rehabilitation for coordination and confidence. His original therapist, Danielle, moved on to a new position and as sad as we were to lose her, we are blessed with a new therapist, Linda, at a state of the art clinic and she will be incorporating some new modalities into Squishy’s treatment. This amazing boy will be 10 years old in October and thanks to all of your loving and generous support, he is able to get around and bring joy and happiness into his family’s lives! Squishy thanks you for keeping him mobile!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SQUISHY BOY WALKS AGAIN!!
Squishy Boy has come so very very far by virtue of his proud DobeHeart, his Family's love, Danielle his physical therapist's hard work and dedication to her patient and because of all of you who made Squishy's rehabilitation possible!! This gorgeous guy has come a very long, hard way - but, with your continued support, he is expected to get even better!! Let's make sure he gets the chance!! We have a video of his progress but it's too large to post here, so instead, we offer you a glimpse at Mr. Squishy at the "Massage Parlor" :))
Okay,
Okay... take it easy back there... ahhh, that's
better... a little to the right...
Oh,
Danielle!! You're the Best! We almost look like the SND Logo!!
And
here's the greatest reward any of us could wish for - A Squishy Boy on his feet
next to his adoring DobeMom!! Way to go - ALL of you!! This is where the next
phase begins... PLEASE continue your support for this bravest of DobeGuys!!
THANKS from Squishy and all of us!!
Squishy
& Wendy, March, 2008
June
2007 -- Squishy BEFORE
**UPDATE 10/15/2007** Dear Squishy is now up to 20 min on the aqua treadmill! And this past week he's even taken several forward steps in a row! His muscles don't shake any more and their tone is great. He even tries getting out of the tank, which his therapist says is good for him in regaining strength, and it also shows he's feeling better. He greets his mom and dad at the door with his head to toe wiggle which is something they haven't seen in a long time. And some of his old 'Squishy-isms' are beginning to return :-) Squishy still needs to wear the Ruffwear harness as he continues to need help down the 3 steps to get outside, but once out he can 'crab'(walk sideways) around the yard and enjoy himself. He still falls frequently during the day. But he just picks himself up and keeps going. The specialist who did Squishy's surgery said that typically the most improvements are made in the 3 - 6 month period. Squishy is at the 3 month mark now. Who knows how far he can yet progress!! Way to go Squishy and Therapist Danielle - keep up the good work!!
Say hello to 7 1/2 yr old Squishy Boy. But don't let his name fool you because he is one tough fellow! Squishy's problems began in April 2007 when he became lame and barely able to move. His vet treated him conservatively but in short time Squishy needed to see an orthopedic specialist. A MRI revealed Squishy had Wobbler's Syndrome, which is more commonly known as instability of the cervical spine. Poor Squishy had a ruptured disc at C6 & C7 with compression on the spinal cord causing severe radiating nerve pain. In June of 2007, Squishy had surgery to repair the disc and in turn relieve the nerve pain. He was away from home over for 3 weeks for the surgery and post operative care. When he was well enough to return home he was unable to walk or even stand, necessitating his family to provide position changes. And when nature called, he had to be carried outside and in again. That is quite a feat considering Squishy weighs 90 lbs. Now comes the hard work of helping Squishy walk again. This sweet fellow, who has stolen the hearts of all he meets, needs specialized physical therapy to regain use of his legs. He has begun the costly therapy treatments and is showing improvement. He is now able to stand on his own for short periods of time and even take a few steps!! His parents have spent several thousand dollars on appointments, treatments, surgery and after care. They are now asking SND to assist with the cost of rehabbing Squishy. Squishy Boy has been traveling a long path, and we hope to have him continue on the road to recovery. Lets all do what we can so Squishy can continue his physical therapy and reach his goal of being able to walk again. Squishy and everyone involved with his care and rehabilitation thank you!!!
Help Squishy by sending in a tax-deductible donation online by using the PayPal button to the right, or by mailing one in. Thank you for any assistance you can provide to help with Squishy's medical needs.
