News

Actions

Emotional support dog needs prosthetics to walk

Posted at 5:53 PM, Dec 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-26 19:01:02-05

Roo, a 1-year-old Basenji mix, wants to run and play like other dogs in 2019.

Roo was born with congenital deformities in three of her legs and is unable to walk properly. 

Her right forelimb is missing from just below the elbow down. Her left forelimb is missing from her wrist down and her left hind limb is missing half of her foot. 

The once-abandoned puppy was rescued from the Lewisville Animal Shelter and is now an emotional support dog in a counseling program for traumatized children and adults at Ranch Hands Rescue in Argyle, Texas.

“We pair our animals with people who suffer from severe trauma, PTSD, and sexual abuse,” said Ranch Hands Rescue President and CEO Bob Williams. “It’s important that we get Roo what she needs because she has the potential to help a lot of people who are desperately in need of hope.”

Dr. Cara Blake is a board-certified small animal surgeon assigned to Roo’s case at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

She said the challenge will be to get three prosthetics to fit Roo correctly.

“We will have to teach her how to walk in the prosthetics and how to use her legs in a more normal way,” Blake said.

The cost of each prosthetic is approximately $2,000 and the cost of rehabilitation is about $200 a day. Blake estimates it will take about two months to adjust the prosthetics and train Roo to walk. So far, Roo’s medical expenses have cost more than $10,000.

“We want to do right by Roo and show the world that the worst case animals can instill faith, hope, and love in people who have given up,” said Williams. “We hope her story will inspire people around the world and send the message that all life should be honored and that even the seemingly worst obstacles can be overcome. We know Roo will be back to helping people and making a difference soon.”

If you’d like to learn more about Roo or make a donation, you can call Ranch Hands Rescue at 940-240-0500 or visit ranchhandrescue.org.

Copyright 2018 KXXV. All rights reserved.