From Broken Spine to Wagging Tail: Zacky’s Recovery

I first heard about Zacky over the phone, when I was asked if I would like to give it a chance to save his life, because the obvious choice was euthanasia.. Rescued with a broken spine and multiple ribs, Zacky couldn't move and his prognosis was dire: he would never feel his back side again. He struggled to lift his head and even relied on a catheter to pee. However, in that moment, I felt like we had to give this 8 months old puppy a real chance.

Since that "yes", our world was turned upside down.

Every moment felt like a huge challenge, filled with a blend of heartache, frustration but also hope. Little did I know, my time with Zacky would lead to a remarkable story of resilience and recovery.

Zacky waking up from his surgery.

The first steps in rehabilitation

The initial weeks were beyond challenging. Zacky required constant care, as even the simplest tasks needed my assistance. I used a syringe to help him drink after the IV was taken out, had to press his bladder every few hours to help him pee and changed him from laying on one side to the other regularly to avoid sores.

We started with his rehabilitation very quickly, as we knew this was his only chance for improvement. 2 days after his implant surgery, we were already at the rehab center starting his physiotherapy.

We used everything possible to make this boy better: laser and magnetic therapy, 3 massages and physical manipulation exercises daily, stimulating his legs hourly to remind his brain that they exist. Between cleaning up the mess that comes with a disabled dog, doing his exercises, driving him to the rehab center multiple times during the week and his control appointments, I could hardly remember my own name after a few weeks.

Luckily, the improvements started to show and this motivated me to keep going.

Zacky, during his first physio session

Small miracles unfolding

As the days turned into weeks, I was fortunate to witness tiny victories that filled me up with hope! It was truly small things like seemingly moving his toes when pinched, to then obviously moving them. Then starting to look back when his legs were stimulated, clearly signaling that the movements were no accident, he could feel them!

From this point, we went from intense to extreme. Our goal was no longer just comfort, we wanted to have him WALKING. While there was no precedent of a similar injury healing to the point of mobility, he was so willing and motivated, we had to try.

Sure enough, after hours and hours of blood sweat and tears, it happened: I walked into the room and Zacky was standing there, staring at me. I couldn't believe it. Then he took his first step, then two and three. Soon enough, he was walking (although with support at this time).

The first time Zacky wagged his tail was one of the happiest moments in our journey; only topped by the first time he ran.

Thanks to extremely generous donations, we were able to purchase Zacky a wheelchair along with specialised rehab equipment that were key in his recovery and allowed a level of mobility for him, which expedited his improvement.

Following that, Zacky began to regain control of his bladder, and I celebrated with sheer joy when he successfully relieved himself outside for the first time. I couldn't believe it. We thought he would need his bladder expressed for the rest of his life, yet here he is, house trained and signaling to go outside to pee.

Zacky loving his wheelchair

Newfound mobility

Zacky’s determination was a sight to behold. After all the sessions and strengthening exercises, he transitioned from using his wheelchair to walking on his own. He couldn't quite believe it and neither could we. For any dog lover, seeing a disabled dog reclaim their mobility fills your heart with indescribable joy. But when seeing it after witnessing all the struggles, despair and pain... this was truly something special. It is hard to relay this journey to anyone who wasn't there to experience it all.

There were days of exhaustion, and moments of frustration, and this process was probably the hardest thing I have ever done but he is walking. The dog with the broken spine is wagging his tail and walking!

Zacky outside without support

Zacky is ready for adoption

I am thrilled to share that Zacky is ready for adoption. It’s incredible to consider how far he has come, and it's time he shares his joy with his forever family!

Zacky won't be the dog for just anyone. But I truly believe the right person will fall in love and see this little warrior for who he is. Someone will be very lucky to share this miracle with us.

The thank yous

Thank you to Zsanett for rescuing Zacky and calling me to give the opportunity to give this lovebug the life he deserves.

Thank you to DR Hidro Rehab center, and Barbi (his physiotherapist) for being there with us every single step of the way. We could not have done this without their expertise and enthusiasm.

Thank you to Dr Ipolyi for going above and beyond to give our boy a chance with the life-saving surgery.

Thank you to every person who donated to his care. We truly believe life should not have a price tag, and you have helped us prove that now.

Thank you to OrtoPet.hu, who helped us set up a donation campaign to provide Zacky his wheelchair amongst other vital rehabilitation tools

Lastly, thank you to the incredible, loving person who will apply to be his family. We can't wait to meet you, and to follow to rest of this lovely boy's journey, with you!