Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) puppy Arlo, who stole the hearts of so many during a GoFundMe campaign, is making progress on the road to walking.
“Arlo has had two sessions of intensive physiotherapy and we are seeing improvements, but there is still a long way to go to get her walking properly,” her foster carer and AWLQ Dog Team Rehoming Supervisor Megan Payette said.
The 14 week old staffy puppy came to public attention through – AWLQ Operation Get Arlo Walking campaign in the first week of 2017.
Arlo didn’t have use of her back legs. In just five hours more than $3,000 was raised for a spinal tap ($1,200) and the estimated cost of her ongoing treatment to get her walking. The campaign has so far raised $5,035.
“Those generous donations are going towards weekly physio sessions, a lifejacket for hydrotherapy and a harness system that ensures Arlo stands and walks correctly,” Ms Payette said.
“In just two short weeks of treatment we have seen great improvement.
“Her posture when standing is better and her back leg muscles are developing – but there’s still a long, long way to go.”
Arlo came to AWLQ’s Gold Coast Rehoming Centre in a laundry basket unable to use her back legs. The plucky staffy dragged herself across the floor.
In just two short weeks she was not only walking but running – albeit without any structure.
“Arlo now wears her harness whenever she’s walking to improve her posture and gait,” Ms Payette said.
“She’s also doing hydrotherapy in our bathtub daily, two to three exercise programs each day and walking with the harness three to four times a day.
“We are determined to give Arlo the best chance of walking properly as possible – all thanks to the support of the community.”
