Lots of animals come and go, and if you work or volunteer here you fall in love with them all. But every so often one pulls at your heartstrings and they ache because you can’t make everything better with a hug and a treat. This is the case with Payton, a 6-ish month old American Bulldog mix.
Payton arrived as a stray dog and as he waited out his required “lost dog hold” time, it became very apparent that he had bigger problems than wondering if his absent owners would ever come…which they didn’t. He had problems standing and walking which would come and go frequently. One of our visiting veterinarians did an initial assessment and we followed up with an x-ray/exam referral.
We arrived at the Kronenwetter Veterinary Clinic, carrying him inside as he was again unable to stand despite his apparent will to make it happen. After a period of time in the waiting room and then the exam room, Payton found his legs and was playfully running from one person to the next, giving his customary kisses and trying to get into your lap! We left him in their care for x-rays and had high hopes for a simple solution. That wasn’t quite the way it turned out.
Payton has a congenital spine malformation. There is no crystal ball to predict his future, just cold facts to share with the one special someone we are searching for to provide him with a loving home, comfort him with the down times and rejoice with him when he is at high points of this roller coaster ride we call life. Will it get better? Unlikely. Can he enjoy life? Yes, for as long as he can and he surely deserves that. As with anyone, his body will eventually fail him. His years made not be as many as he deserves or we would like, but they are worth living to share that unbridled love for life with whomever he meets!
Right now he is on glucosamine as a supplement. He is still a puppy and his growth processes are still developing. His neutering won’t be happening until after he closes in on the one year mark. He loves to get as much out of every second of his body cooperating as he can, and counts on his trusted friends to carry him to his bed when his body won’t let him walk there.
At this time we are waiting to confer with the UW Madison vets for an initial consultation. We’ll keep everyone posted on Facebook as his journey continues. Be sure to enjoy the following photos and videos of our special adoptable Valentine….Payton.
