Today three of our wobblers -- Noodle and brothers Smokey and Charlie -- got to try out their new wheelchairs for the first time. Although we've had their wheels for several months, we had to wait for the snow to melt (that took until the end of April) and then the mud to dry up (mid-May) before we had decent ground to use. Shirley L. and James C. from Portland, who brought blind Carmel out to us last week, have been volunteering at the ranch over the weekend and assembled the chairs yesterday.
All three wobblers have cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition which affects their motor skills and balance. Animals are born with this condition but it is not progressive. Often the animals can walk just fine but are wobbly; that's the case with Noodle's sister Soba and our other wobbler Allie. But Noodle can't really walk properly -- she can use all four legs, but her back is hunched, her front legs splay out to the side, and she rockets forward in short bursts. Charlie is more challenged than Smokey and often falls over.
Typically in our experience, animals born with cerebellar hypoplasia get better as they get older, and their brains and bodies learn to compensate for the disability. They figure out how to walk with a wider stance, for example, and they use their tails to help maintain their balance. But Noodle and Charlie not only did not improve as they got older, they actually became less stable ... we think simply because of their added weight as they grew. Smokey stayed about the same.
We thought all three would benefit from quad wheelchairs, so we ordered custom-fitted units from Doggon' Wheels for them.
In the photo at the top of the post are Alayne and Shirley with Noodle on the left, Smokey in the middle and Charlie on the right. I took the photo after they had been in their chairs for about 10 minutes, so they were pretty tired from all the racing around! Shirley, James and Alayne served as the pit crew for our racing team.
Smokey and Charlie initially did not like being in the wheelchairs because they felt confined. Their first instinct was to bite at the straps holding them in place. But once we got them moving, they suddenly realized they could move like never before ... and off they went! Noodle was fine being in the chair but she took some more time figuring out how to put her front legs straight down and how to walk with them; she's so used to them going out sideways that this was entirely new to her. But once she got the hang of it, she enjoyed the new mobility, too!
I also shot some video of the three dogs using their chairs this morning. As you'll see in this brief 1:15 minute clip, although they may have difficulty with the motor skills they were born with, they're enjoying an entirely new set of motor skills!
It's so wonderful seeing Noodle being able to run without worrying about falling. It is just amazing. I smiled the whole way through watching these dogs just take off. But it especially touched my heart to see Noodle running without crashing to the ground. Thank you for taking such good care of the girls.
Posted by: Danielle - Noodle's old foster mom ;) | June 30, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I love this stuff! Its great to watch these happy content animals. Thank you. Peace. Kenard
Posted by: Kenard | June 17, 2008 at 12:21 AM
You can see it on their faces...they are so happy with the independence these wheels have provided them. Amazing! So is everyone at the RDR. Thanks for the video! It brought a tear of happiness to my eyes to see how happy the three of them were to get their wheels. They weren't intimated at all....they knew that they had been blessed!
Posted by: Gina | June 14, 2008 at 04:02 PM
What a blessing you two are to these precious animals!
I too would like to see more of them,makes me feel like I know you all.keep up your wonderful work!!
The Lord bless you all!
luv,Joyce
Posted by: Joyce Rushing | June 13, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Seeing these three cruising around brought tears to my eyes! Thanks so much for sharing their joy with us!
Posted by: Michelle Mehling | June 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM
That is the greatest!! I only wish I would have found out about this company a few years back for my late friend Clayton, an English Mastiff who lost his mobility in his late years. Thank You Doggon Wheels.
Posted by: Mike | June 13, 2008 at 09:58 AM
You guys never fail to amaze me. You are so great with these animals and they look very happy to be running again. You have inspired me SO much that after i go to college [i am only 13 right now], I am going to start a sanctuary, mainly for horses, but all will be welcome:] Thanks again for helping me find what i want to do.
Posted by: Francesca | June 12, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Oh my-how I LOVED watching this clip of the "wobblers"! It truely was heart-warming, PLEASE take more videos and post them! I am so excited to see how they learn their new freedom on these wheels! :)
Posted by: Kylle | June 03, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I think you're going to need studded snow tires for next winter! They look so happy and excited, I can't imagine taking the carts away next winter!
Posted by: Linda | June 03, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Aw! That video was heart melting. Watching them enjoy so much out of life despite their limits is amazing to see! And to see them enjoy their new get-up - they just took off! :)
Posted by: SuzyQ | June 03, 2008 at 12:15 PM
This is SO AWESOME! I just received a note from someone today that said she wants to get a license plate for her dog in wheels that says, "We are not disposable." I couldn't agree more.
Posted by: Barbara | June 03, 2008 at 10:56 AM
What a happy video from the Rolling/Havin' a good time Dog Ranch! These 3 cuties are having a blast. This is one of the cutest videso I've ever seen. Keep us posted on their newfound driving skills.
Posted by: Angela | June 03, 2008 at 10:42 AM
This made me laugh & sniffle all at the same time. Good sniffles tho! Those 3 had to be the happiest dogs on the ranch at that moment! Blessing to everyone involved in making this happen for Charlie, Smokey & Noodle.
Posted by: Kathy Huffman | June 03, 2008 at 01:42 AM
Thanks for the pictures of my kids. I wasn't able to get the video to work on my computer but will see it at the shelter when I go there tomorrow. It is absolutely wonderful to see those little guys again. I still really miss them but they look so happy. They didn't get much bigger I noticed, but they look healthy and happy. God bless everyone at RDR. As one comment said it's really going to roll now with those three around. Good luck, pups and to Noodle too.
Sonya
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | June 02, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Best video ever !!!
Posted by: Leigh | June 02, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Look how they are smiling!!! What a wonderful video, put a huge smile on my face!!!
I would love to see more video's from your ranch!
Posted by: Jolene | June 02, 2008 at 02:36 PM
That is a thing of beauty!
Posted by: Mary | June 02, 2008 at 02:04 PM
The video made me cry! I guess because of the exuberance of the pups despite their challenges, and how lucky they are just to be alive and at RDR. I have a soft spot for the wobbly dogs. Thank you!
Posted by: Nancy | June 02, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I can't even imagine what kind of doggy thoughts must be going through their heads as they go streaking through their environment without staggering and falling! How satisfying in some doggy way to see where you want to go and actually get there. That video just plucked the heartstrings wildly! Thank you for letting us see it!
Posted by: Mircat | June 02, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Wow! They are just having a blast with their new wheels. What happy dogs they are.
Posted by: Mary | June 02, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Wow!! I am amazed at how fast they can go.I have Noodles brother Jack and have wondered about getting him a cart. After seeing this I think he would love it. Thanks for all you do and god bless you both.
Posted by: Lisa Clark | June 02, 2008 at 10:14 AM
You can tell how happy the doggies are in their new wheelchairs because their tails never stopped wagging! How wonderful!
Posted by: Barbara Ribinski | June 02, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Fantastic!
The ranch is going to become a summer of rolling thunder for these dogs!
Thanks for the video clip; I'll be enjoying it many times over.
Posted by: Boundforglory | June 02, 2008 at 09:25 AM
What joyous expressions they have! A wonderful post to read first thing on a Monday morning!
Posted by: Debbie | June 02, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Great video!! Noodle, Charlie & Smokey look soooo happy running around like little greyhounds...:-)
Congratulations to the pit crew, too!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | June 02, 2008 at 04:09 AM
This video brought tears to my eyes! Isn't it amazing what imaginative good-hearted people will do to help our devoted but less fortunate friends! Many thanks to Doggone Wheels : ) These pups are now each into their third lifetime: first--before RDR (bad); second--life at RDR (great); third--life at RDR with mobility and independence (total bliss)!
Posted by: Amy | June 02, 2008 at 02:22 AM
What a triple treat! Noodle, Smokey & Charlie all having a grand day out with their new wheels! What a great thrill to see them so happy!
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | June 02, 2008 at 01:42 AM
This gives a whole new meaning to "Rolling" Dog Ranch. They all look so joyful. Thanks for giving them the gift of mobility.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | June 02, 2008 at 12:12 AM
I've been looking forward to seeing these guys in their wheels! I had to share the video-it warmed our hearts and made us smile.
Posted by: Kelly | June 01, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Go, Smokey! Go, Charlie! Go, Noodle! It must have been so exhilarating for those three to feel the wind on their fur and to actually cover some ground when they run! The legs certainly move fast enough; I am so glad that the wheelchairs will help them harness their energy and do something productive with it!
Posted by: maggie | June 01, 2008 at 11:14 PM
It is great to see all three in their carts. Thank you for posting the video of them!
Posted by: Karen | June 01, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Wow, look at 'em go! NASCAR's got nothing on these puppies! :)
Posted by: Kristen D. | June 01, 2008 at 10:42 PM
It was so neat to see the dogs enjoy their new set of wheels!! They looked so happy!!
Posted by: Nina | June 01, 2008 at 09:51 PM
If I'm ever down; I'll be watching this video over and over because I know this will make me feel very happy indeed!
Posted by: Cora | June 01, 2008 at 09:16 PM
That was guaranteed to put a smile on my face.
Posted by: Robin Layton | June 01, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Full steam ahead! They have got to be enjoying their new-found stability. Thanks for the video.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | June 01, 2008 at 08:11 PM
So sweet to see them all motor around and enjoy a better quality of life! Bless you for helping them!
Posted by: Leila | June 01, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Yay - video clips of happy dogs - very cool!
Congrats to the kids on their new found mobility - they look soooo happy to be able to run and actually cover some ground.
The dog-wheels are definitely worth the investment.
Posted by: Karen | June 01, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Cannot help but smile watching that video! Awesome!
Posted by: yoonamaniac | June 01, 2008 at 05:47 PM
This has to be the best news I've seen in a long time. What a joyful, wonderful video that was, and oh, how happy the dogs look! I am thrilled for them. Here's to endless adventures for the genuinely *rolling* dogs at Rolling Dog Ranch!
Posted by: Moon Rani | June 01, 2008 at 05:44 PM