Pandora is a Dachshund that is partially paralyzed and needs her own personal wheelchair to help her get around. However, Pandora doesn’t let her wheelchair stop her from having the exciting life of a dog. She can still run around and play just as any other dog would.
Recently, Pandora joined a bunch of other special needs dogs to help promote pet adoption, specifically to help other dogs with special needs.
Pandora’s Journey
Pandora was a happy, healthy dog until one day, she was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. This is a disease where the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column bulge or burst. Sadly, Pandora’s discs burst, causing so much pressure on her spinal cord that he had to be rushed to the ER.
At the time, Pandora’s mom, Marissa Mastellone, was devastated. However, she refused to give up on Pandora, and she accommodated her needs as much as possible. She had to teach her new things, such as how to walk with wheels and use the bathroom, and luckily, Pandora learned to adjust to her new life in no time.
Now, Pandora is 14 years old and still going strong. She can run around and play just as any other dog would thanks to her amazing wheelchair and her amazing mother. Pandora and Mastellone share a special bond. They go on lots of walks and share videos of them eating delicious meals together.
Pandora’s journey inspired Mastellone to help raise money and awareness for dogs with special needs. She has teamed up with different organizations including WagAware and LoveyLoaves. In their most recent event, she worked with Wheels on Wall Street.
The Wheels on Wall Street Event
At the Wheels on Wall Street event, the special needs dogs ran around and interacted with other dogs and humans. The parents of the special needs pups wanted to show the world just how amazing these dogs can be.
Special needs dogs doesn’t just refer to dogs in wheelchairs and missing limbs, but it really just includes any dog that needs special attention beyond just food, water, shelter, and love. Sometimes these special needs aren’t as obvious as Pandora’s. Regardless of the needs of these dogs though, they all deserve a loving home.
Mastellone explained how there is a community of parents of special needs dogs. They all work together and help and support each other whenever possible.
Many dog lovers might not consider adopting a special needs dog since it often takes extra work. Sadly, these dogs are typically some of the rescues that need the most help. Therefore, even if you don’t have the time and money to take in a special needs dog of your own, you should still spread the word and encourage others to adopt them.
Featured Image: @InspirationalDachshund/Instagram
H/T: InsideEdition.com
Toledo, United States.
