Taking care of a dog with special needs can present unique challenges for their owners. However, the satisfaction of providing them with a fulfilling life is immeasurable, making all the effort and sacrifices worth it.
One little two-legged dog from China proved that to his foster turned-adopter. A Furry Angels Haven Wuhan group found Basil on the street in early 2020. He had sustained so much damage to his back legs that veterinarians had to amputate everything below his pelvis.
It took a long train ride to an airport and a flight after that, but eventually, Basil made it to Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary in Toronto. Basil would meet his forever person in Canada, far from where he was found.
Love At First Sight
In April 2020, Dog Tales needed fosters early on in the pandemic, and Sarah Koslicki volunteered. She was already interested in adopting a special needs pup and figured fostering one would be good practice.
Koslicki prepared herself emotionally for what she might be taking on.
“I can’t even imagine all the things that he saw and all the things he’s been through, and it breaks my heart, to be honest, when I sit and think about it.”
Picking him up, though, Koslicki told Daily Paws that she immediately realized Basil would be more than a foster dog to her.
“I knew it was gonna happen, too. The minute he got into my car, I was like, ‘Oh, this is it. He’s not coming back to the shelter.’”
Basil Is Worth It
The first few weeks of caring for Basil have proved challenging. Because he can’t control it, when he goes to the bathroom, he wears a diaper that Koslicki has to change every couple of hours. She must also apply antiseptic, diaper cream, and powder each time.
Beyond that, Basil gets antibiotics twice per day, daily baths, and monthly visits to the veterinarian. Because of his condition, he is prone to UTIs and needs to be monitored regularly for them.
Regardless, allowing Basil to leave his shell and become a happy, fulfilled dog makes all the work worthwhile. Koslicki summarized:
“It’s the most rewarding experience I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t change a second of it.”
In addition to the wheelchair Basil uses to get around, he also has a Walkin’ Drag Bag, which allows him to run around without hurting his sensitive areas. Despite his handicap, this little guy loves to run!
Though no one knows for sure what Basil endured on the streets in China, we do know one thing after his life with Koslicki:
“He’s a completely different dog. He’s just so happy.”
Follow @wheelpuppy on Instagram for updates on Basil’s growth and condition. You can also donate pee pads, which due to Basil’s incontinence, he could really use more of.
H/T: Yahoo
Featured Image: @wheelpuppy/Instagram
