ATLANTA, GA......Sweet Ralphie is a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel Mix that was picked up as a stray in Fulton County in horrible condition. We were contacted by the Shelter to see if we could help him so they would not have to put him down. We explained that we already have our hands full with Neurological cases and are beyond full with too many abuse cases that need lots of surgeries. We asked them to, please keep looking for this sweet boy, and that we were sorry, we could not do more. Several days went by, and the final plea came saying no one would help them with Ralphie. He was the sweetest boy, and they hated to put him down but they had no choice. I had them send me a video of him (that I have posted) and decided this little guy deserved a chance. He might end up in a wheelchair, but he would be alive and happy to be there.
We were surprised how bad Ralphie was after we got him. This sweet boy cannot use his rear legs and had been dragging them. His poor underside and legs were covered with raw sores. We had him worked up at the Vet and then transferred him to our Neurologist in Charleston to see what the problem was with his legs. The good news is that Ralphie has pain sensation in both legs and has bladder and bowel control. The Neurologists thinks we can restore his nerve function once he determines exactly where the nerve is compressed or damaged.
Our sweet boy spiked a fever of 106 last night. We are in the process of determining what has caused the fever and are doing cultures this morning. We have him on an antibiotic which has brought his fever down. We are doing an MRI this morning to see what can be done surgically to repair the damaged area. The pain sensation and the fact he can use the bathroom gives us lots of hope for this amazing little dog. We think he might have been this way for several weeks based on the wounds he has. It appears someone discarded him when he lost his ability to walk. We don't know if he was hit by a car, run over or injured in some other way. What we do know is that this is one happy dog. All he cares about doing is playing and chasing a ball. He could care less that he has a fever or that he can't walk. Life is good as far as he is concerned. Well, if he thinks Life is good now, then he has a lot to look forward to because we are going to get this boy either walking again or running around in a cart. Ralphie is an inspiring little dog that will put a smile on your face every morning. We love this little bundle of energy and are so glad we said YES. Please, help us, help him by Donating.
