Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows how much they love to run around and play. Mental stimulation is vital for their happiness. That’s why we take them on walks or play dates in the park—it’s fun and gives them a chance to socialize. But what if that wasn’t possible for some dogs?
River was born with a very rare condition known as swimmer syndrome. Her legs splayed out laterally, causing significant problems in her life. She couldn’t even walk properly, but this didn’t stop her from dreaming big. Soon enough, she met someone who would change her life completely.
A Unique Challenge
Photo Credit: bella.and.the.potaoes
When Jen and Mike lost their beloved dog, they were heartbroken. To honor her memory, they decided to help special-needs dogs. River, with her swimmer syndrome, caught their attention, and they wanted to give her a chance to walk and enjoy life.
Jen shared with The Dodo: “We learned on really short notice that River needed another foster home. So, we went and picked her up, and we started to foster her.”
Bringing River into their Washington home, they found she fit in perfectly. The other dogs welcomed her warmly, and she quickly made friends, especially with Hogan, who became her steadfast companion.
Determined to Help
Photo Credit: bella.and.the.potaoes
Jen and Mike discovered that River hadn’t received any treatment for her swimmer syndrome, a condition usually addressed immediately after birth. Despite this, they were determined to help her walk again. They took her to specialists in Washington who began an intense treatment regimen.
Jen explained, “They did intense hydrotherapy, traditional physical therapy, and even acupuncture.” Despite the challenges, River was lucky to have Jen, Mike, and Hogan by her side, supporting her through every step of her healing journey.
A Remarkable Recovery
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After about a month of treatment, River made significant progress. She became much better at using her legs for everyday tasks, surprising her foster parents with her resilience. Mike noted, “All of a sudden, she started to zoom outside. When I watched it, it’s like I wish I had that freedom.”
Forever Home
Photo Credit: bella.and.the.potaoes
River’s recovery was celebrated with an abundance of goodies and toys, and she was thrilled with all the gifts. Jen and Mike were incredibly proud of her and realized just how much they loved her. They couldn’t bear to part with her, so they decided to adopt her.
River now lives the most amazing life with people who have lifted her spirit and shown her that she is truly a special dog.
