DOG PROFILES

• Thumper

Thumper shows off his super-soft coat.

Stephen Hildreth from Clatsop County Animal Control contacted us about a special dog. He had been caring for Thumper at his shelter for a long time and really wanted to find him a great forever home. Thumper, however, was a hard dog to place due to his disability.

Thumper suffered a birth defect that resulted in his rear legs not functioning fully. He got around mainly using his front two arms and dragging his lower half behind him. When we visited him he could not stand on his own due to his partial near-paralysis. Due to his handicap, he was very defensive with other dogs. He feels helpless and cannot really defend himself, so he would sometimes growl at other dogs so they keep their distance.

Thumper Runs!

But Thumper is such a sweet and affectionate boy with humans. He has the softest white coat and a loving pit bull smile. Much like Drunken Noodle, who also suffers from some leg function handicap, he exhibits the happiest demeanor and positive outlook no matter what is holding him back.

Thumper shows a lot of heart.

We decided that Thumper would be a welcome addition to out sanctuary and took him in 2004. We worked with him to increase his coordination and balance by doing hydrotherapy. We used a doggy life jacket and assisted him as he swam in our shallow ponds. This encouraged him use his back legs and get him used to a full range of motion of all four legs. Just after a few months of this, he had shown a marked improvement in walking on his own, balancing and not falling, and eating and drinking without being held.

Thumper acquired a doggy wheelchair after a great fundraiser and through extra sponsorship by Roma Alexander.

Thumper will probably never regain full control of his legs but has made amazing strides.  He will continue to grow and have love in his forever home.  Thumper taught us to not give up on finding that forever home.