Hi, my name is Shea Ping. I am a 2 year old male Pekinese and was adopted by John and Lorene Hall (Dr. Hall’s parents) when I was one year old. I had 3 homes prior to this but now I am in my forever home! I am always happy and I love meeting new people and animals. One day last January after jumping off the couch, I suddenly couldn’t feel part of my right hind leg and began dragging it behind me. I was immediately examined by Dr. Hall and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease, a neurologic problem where one of my intervertebral discs was pressing on my spinal cord. I was referred to the Ontario Veterinary College where surgery was performed to remove the compression on my spinal cord. The surgery eliminated the pain I was feeling and made me feel much better but unfortunately there was such severe damage to my spinal cord that I became paralyzed from the waist down. After weeks of postoperative physiotherapy including hydrotherapy and leg exercises, I finally have some movement in my legs! I may never walk again but just recently, I finally was fitted for my brand-new cart! I now tear around as good as new on my wheels and have even learned to go in reverse. I can do almost everything other dogs can do and am as happy as I’ve ever been!
