Little Pumpkin had a tough start in life. The tiny West Highland terrier was stamped on as a baby and left paralysed before being abandoned. But after being adopted by a loving new owner the pup began to thrive - she got a pink set of wheels and began working as a therapy dog going into schools to help autistic and disabled children as well as care homes.
Her transformation was so complete that she became the inspiration for her owner to set up a new charity for disabled dogs. Tammie Fox, 42, from Lincolnshire, launched Pumpkin & Friends to help other dogs like her brave Westie. The charity aims to raise awareness for disabled animals but also provide financial help where needed. Disabled dogs are offered a new wheelchair or stroller, and can have help towards any vet fees and operations needed. The charity also offers help with any rehabilitation needed including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and acupuncture.
When anyone approaches the charity they join the Wheely Good Friends scheme. So far, 61 dogs and one goat have been helped since the charity launched in June.
Tammie said: "Having a disability isn't a death sentence. It's the beginning of a new adventure. Whatever the dog needs for a good quality of life and be out of pain, we want to help with that.
"Before I got Pumpkin I didn’t realise dogs and wheelchairs existed. I found it very isolating because I didn’t realise there was help out there. Now I want to show the world that these animals are amazing and deserve to live. I want to fight for them."
She adds: “It makes me really proud that we are changing things and people's opinions. We are saving animals' lives and that's all I've ever wanted to do."
Pumpkin, now one, was surrendered to local rescue centre, Breeds In Need, in 2021, who asked animal lover Tammie to temporarily foster her. Her disability didn't matter to Tammie, who instantly "fell in love with her".
"It broke my heart seeing Pumpkin unable to walk," Tammie says. "I just had to keep her."
Tammie, who is a nail technician, set up a GoFundMe page and asked friends, family and clients for their help. In just five days, she managed to raise over £10,000 for an appointment at one of the best vet specialists in the world.
He sadly confirmed Pumpkin would never be able to walk independently, so Tammy used the money raised to get Pumpkin a set of special dog wheels from Walkin' Pets, and donated the remaining amount to Breeds In Need.
Pumpkin’s story went viral and now thousands follow her adventures on social media, including 20,000 on Facebook alone.
WAGONY AUNT
Q: I live on a busy road and my dog tries to run out of the door every time we set off for a walk. How can I teach him to wait?
A :Walks are the most exciting part of the day for most dogs. They quickly learn the routines before walkies, like putting on boots, coats and leads. It’s important to teach dogs to wait calmly at the door for their own safety, particularly if they can run into a road.
It’s ideal to teach dogs from the start the rule that ‘the door doesn’t open unless you’re sitting’. You need a bit of patience, but it’s worth spending the time to avoid problems later.
Wait by the closed door with your dog on lead until he is calm. When he calms down and sits, reach for the handle. If he gets up, take your hand away. Once he’s settled, open the door a few inches. If he makes to go through, calmly close the door and wait for him to settle again. Stay patient! You want your dog to learn that staying calm makes the door open.
Once he is waiting calmly you can open the door fully and lead him through. For older or stronger dogs, the principle is the same, but you may need to start the training without any of the predictive cues, like coats and boots, to reduce his anticipation.
For more information and expert advice, visit dogstrust.org.uk. Do you have a question for Rachel? Email petclub@mirror.co.uk.
PET PIC
David Blane had given up all hope of ever seeing his beloved cat Zeke again. The white feline had been missing for five years, and despite a leaflet and social media campaign, there had been no sightings.
So he was stunned to receive a call from a vet in Stevenage, 30 miles from home in north London, to say Zeke had been handed in, and identified by scanning his microchip.
David said: “I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never get him back, so to get that call out of the blue was utterly amazing. You don't expect to hear that your cat has been found safe and well five years after he has gone missing.”
CATS CORNER
Top tips for you and your cat, with answers and advice from our friends at Cats Protection.
Why is my cat spraying?
Before we look at potential causes of the spraying behaviour, it is important that you take your cat for a check-up at the vets because there are a number of medical conditions that may cause a change in urinary habits, including feline lower urinary tract disease. It is important to rule out any underlying medical causes.
The occurrence of this behaviour indoors can be very unpleasant and worrying for people.
So much so that it can often seriously affect the owner/cat relationship. Occasionally a one-off accident can occur if a cat is ill, trapped in a room or suddenly frightened.
Please visit our website for more information: www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/spraying
Sign up to our People's Pet Awards newsletter for exclusive news and behind the scenes secrets.
