With a handicap and a zest for life
Rescue of fourteen wheelchair dogs
Taking in fourteen dogs at once is a challenge in itself. But taking fourteen wheelchair dogs into care is something that requires special expertise, a lot of time and comprehensive medical care.
It all started with a phone call. An elderly lady had lovingly cared for dogs with disabilities for many years. Most of them were in wheelchairs. After her death, an animal welfare organisation took over her estate – and was suddenly faced with a daunting task. After all, anyone who knows anything about disabled animals knows that they need round-the-clock care. This is an enormous challenge in terms of personnel, organisation and finances.
Dogs in wheelchairs polarise
A challenge that we faced at Gut Aiderbichl when we took in the dogs. When we received the enquiry, we didn’t have to think twice: We agreed to take in all 14 dogs. After all, these are not the first animals with special needs to find a home with us. And it certainly won’t be the last. Dogs in wheelchairs are polarising – and yet they have long been a matter close to our hearts and a daily reality. Over the years, we have become experts when it comes to animals with disabilities. We accompany them on their journey – not to artificially prolong their lives, but to give them quality of life.
Impaired dogs are full of joie de vivre
Because even impaired dogs are full of zest for life and the will to live. They often suffer from incontinence, bladder infections or need physiotherapy. They need extensive care, but when this is provided, they are just as happy, playful and lovable as any other animal. Why shouldn’t dogs in wheelchairs deserve a happy dog’s life? A great example of this is our Neema, who has been happily whizzing around the farm in Henndorf in her wheelchair for many years and greets visitors with enthusiasm.
Of course we know that: As with all animals, the day will come when we have to recognise that medical help is no longer possible for our wheelchair dogs. Even then, we do not leave our animals alone. In close consultation with our vets and carers, we make careful decisions – always in the best interests of the animal. And when the time comes, we accompany them on their final journey – with closeness, warmth and their best friend by their side.
Whether healthy, old or special
However, all fourteen wheelchair dogs are doing well today. They live, play, enjoy – and have found a home where they can be who they are. With a handicap and a zest for life. At Gut Aiderbichl, we do everything we can every day to give our animals a happy and species-appropriate life – regardless of whether they are healthy, old or special.
