Dog News

Handicapped Stray Rescued from Thailand Beach Gets New Life in Canada

by Katherine

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Meagan Peman was visiting Thailand when she came across a stray dog on a beach dragging his body. She had no idea what was wrong with the pet, but she knew she couldn’t left him there to his own fate.

Leo when found at the beach. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.
Leo when found at the beach. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.

 

The Canadian woman reached out to various local animal rescue organizations, but all of them were at full capacity and couldn’t take on an extra dog with expensive medical needs. Peman did not give up on her effort to help this helpless stray she named Leo, instead, she decided to rescue the dog on her own and getting him the help he needed.

The loving woman took he dog to a local veterinarian for treatment, came up with a plan and raised funds to get fly the dog back to Canada.

At the veterinarian Peman learned Leo had a spine fracture and had lost all mobility on his back legs, but nevertheless the dog had a fighting spirit and strong will to live. The first time rescuer moved forward with her decision to help rescue the beach stray.

Leo at the vet. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.
Leo at the vet. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.

 

Thanks to a GoFundMe campaign, Peman raise $7,000 and transport Leo from Thailand to Canada. On October 11, 2014, the injured dog arrived to his new home.

Once in Canada, Peman found the dog a foster home with Jamie Smith and since his arrival, Rapids Veterinary Clinic in Sarnia, ON, has been closely monitoring and treating the Leo for his various ailments.

Leo with Jaime Smith. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.
Leo with Jaime Smith. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.

 

Aside from his paralysis, the dog also suffers from bladder infection and bladder stones. His bladder needs to be expressed regularly and the pet needs to wear diapers. It is uncertain at this point whether this will be a lifetime problem, but Smith and veterinarians are following a treatment plan and hope the dog will regain much of his health.

Smith is considering adopting Leo, but she realizes this special needs dog requires expensive treatments she is not be able to afford on her own. No register animal organization is covering Leo’s medical costs. Peman and Smith worked as independent rescuers and foster parents and thanks to the many donations animal lovers across the world made, Leo’s medical treatments have been covered.

Leo walks again. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.
Leo walks again. Photo Credit: Help Save Leo/Facebook.

 

K9 Carts – The Pet Mobility Rehab Center donated a doggy wheel cart and it is thanks to that, that Leo has been able to walk again all on his own.

To learn more about Leo and to follow up on his progress, like his Facebook page Help Save Leo.