Eight weeks after an Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) puppy stole the hearts of the community Arlo continues to make progress towards finding her feet.
“The hydrotherapy sessions and exercise regime are making a real difference,” her foster carer and AWLQ Dog Team Rehoming Supervisor Megan Payette said.
“Thanks to the buoyancy in the water Arlo can now walk correctly on the treadmill for five minutes at a time.
“It doesn’t sound like much, but that’s a vast improvement.”
The staffy does both hydrotherapy and beach walks in her own lifejacket.
“It’s given Arlo great confidence – she knows that she’s safe. She is also super cute in her little outfit, and know it,” laughed Ms Payette.
The 17 week old is a very different puppy from the one dropped off at Animal Welfare League Queensland in a laundry basket five weeks ago; unable to use her back legs.
The AWLQ Operation Get Arlo Walking campaign was launched on GoFundMe and within five hours the target of $3,000 was reached. Since then the community has donated more than $5,000 to the cause. The additional funding will go towards other shelter animals needing specialist treatment.
“People have been so supportive of Arlo’s situation and those donations are clearly making a difference to her quality of life now, and in the future,” AWLQ State Rehoming Manager Melinda Phipps said.
Arlo’s exercise regime is more akin to Olympic Champion and ALWQ Ambassador Sally Pearson’s with a series of exercises to warm up, stretch and build muscle on her back legs.
“The puppy’s gait and the general way she carries herself and for how long, have all improved,” Ms Payette said.
“This has only been possible with the support of the community.
“We are so grateful for all their efforts to help this puppy have a full and happy life.”
