On a hot July afternoon, Kathy Shaw came home from work and was greeted, as usual, by her dog, Dottie. However, something was off. Dottie was panting and appeared stressed. Then, suddenly, Dottie collapsed.  For no apparent reason, Dottie had just become paralyzed.

Dottie was rescued years before, on November 9, 2013. Only a puppy, she and her littermates had been found in an area of Palm Springs without their mom. These pups needed care, socialization, and attention to help them grow into well-rounded adult dogs. Living Free Animal Sanctuary was up for the task, taking in Dottie and all her siblings. 

Nearby, Kathy Shaw was just starting to look for a new dog companion. Having recently lost her beloved dog named Casey, Kathy was taking her time to consider what type of dog would best fit her lifestyle and home. Being an active person, she decided to adopt a younger dog that would enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors with her. 

The stars seemed to align, as Dottie was the perfect fit for Kathy. In December 2013, Kathy took Dottie home.  For the next six years, Dottie and Kathy enjoyed daily long hikes in the wilderness. Kathy shared, “I always felt safe when on a hike with Dottie. She would alert me if there was a coyote or rattlesnake close by.  Dottie was a great guard dog.”  

This made it even more shocking when, in 2019, a seemingly healthy, robust Dottie collapsed. At Banning Veterinary Hospital, Dottie was diagnosed with a possible ruptured disk. Kathy was referred to the Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, where they could conduct a more thorough examination. 

The first MRI was a full body scan that showed a ruptured disk in her back. Further, the scan revealed that a disk in Dottie’s neck was also concerning. Based on the way the disk had ruptured, the veterinarians explained to Kathy that this was caused, not by anything Dottie did, but by genetics. Additionally, DNA testing showed that Dottie was a Boxer/Spaniel Mix. This type of disk rupture is common in the Boxer breed.

Kathy jumped into action, reading everything she could on how to help Dottie. She scheduled back surgery and prepared herself for caring for a paralyzed dog at home. Kathy was taught how to help Dottie express her bladder by using a special belly harness. She learned how a thermometer would assist her with bowel movements. She put Dottie on a special diet to avoid digestive issues which can become a serious issue for dogs that are paralyzed. Kathy purchased an orthopedic mattress that is close to the floor for both she and Dottie to sleep on at night.

During all this, only a few months after her initial injury, Dottie ruptured a disk in her neck on September 16, 2019.  Another surgery was scheduled. Kathy purchased walking wheels for Dottie to assist her with her mobility.  She also got a swimming pool that could hold three feet of water. Two or three times a day Kathy put a lifting harness on Dottie to help her swim and gain strength.

All of Kathy’s hard work paid off. Dottie still goes on walks with her wheels, but now she sometimes walks around without the wheels.  If Dottie gets tired on her adventures, Kathy makes sure she has the option to get into a large dog stroller. Despite her limitations, Kathy and Dottie continue to enjoy hikes and the outdoors. 

Kathy shares, “We moved to our new home in the desert in 2020.  Dottie was still unable to walk back then. However, I am home 24/7 now.  With a strict diet, daily physical exercise and mobility exercises we have found the perfect balance. She is an amazing girl, very playful and nothing dampens her spirits. Dottie is an incredibly special girl, and I am so truly fortunate to have her in my life.”

Kathy, you are an amazing person.  You have gone the extra mile to help Dottie live a good life.  We cannot thank you enough for your love and devotion to this remarkable dog. We hope that by sharing Dottie’s story, it may help others who may have beloved dogs struggling with these same issues.