About
Millie was picked up as a stray on March 16th. Due to her medical needs, she was put on a CODE RED and given only 5 days to be rescued. She was paralyzed on the back end and could not control her back legs, severely matted and had several medical issues.
Millie is now in a wonderful foster home with 3 cocker siblings to interact with, and 3 cats she is very intrigued by. She was put on medications to bring down inflammation and give her spine time to heal from whatever injury it’s sustained. She was soon able to bear weight and give resistance on her back legs, had feeling in all her toes, and had more control over her potty needs – all excellent signs for recovery. She has had various kinds of therapy like massage, lasers, hydro-treadmill, and whatever else she needs. She surprised everyone when she mimed walking with one back paw within a week. Watching her little foot going gave us hope!!
Updates from her Foster Parents
3.22.25
Millie seems to be having a tiny bit more movement in legs today. She definitely lifted her legs more during potty time this morning. We’re still trying to read her better if she might be telling us it’s time for outside.
She’s eating well and literally chasing after the boys when they are outside… dragging us behind. When people walk by on the other side of our fence she’s all about the barking and tugging to get them. She joined in with the boys to talk to the neighbor dogs as well.
Millie sleeps the whole night through and still the only time she fusses is if she can’t see one of us. She had a good bath this afternoon and is sleeping next to my desk now. We are more optimistic today than we were directly after the vet visit. Fingers crossed.
3/25/25
MILLIE STOOD UP ON HER OWN!!!
She really loves toys and stood up trying to get the ball we just introduced her to yesterday. It was shaky, and only lasted a few seconds, but she did actually rise on her own.
We’ve been working on “proprioception” – rubbing her feet, pressing on them for resistance, squaring up her feet when she’s outside. She can stay standing once you square her feet for her, but she falls once she tries to take a step. Yesterday her right foot was miming walking quite a lot, and the left one is starting to make little movements now too. I found some simple “paralyzed dog exercises” online and we’ve been using the basics: tilting her gently side to side while in the standing position, “bouncing” her hips, making sure those toes stay aligned and not curled under.
Fingers crossed y’all – we might get out of this one without surgery!!!
4/27/2025
Millie is doing great! She started water therapy last week. She still has a slight hump in her back and that left leg is a bit behind the others when she runs, but boy does she run! She loves to join the boys barking at cars and intruders on the other side of the fence. She has found her voice!
Millie is now 2 days without any inside accidents… fingers crossed she’ll keep up the great work! She seems to realize that lots of scratches and cookies happen when doing business outside.
Her progress has slowed a little, but is still happening. I’d put her at 85% which is a huge win!
She’s a great little creature. We are really enjoying her. 😊
Sex: Female
Age: 2.5 years
Color: Black & Tan
Spayed/neutered: Yes
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes
Good with kids: Unknown
Housetrained: No
Special needs: Medical treatment ongoing.