Observing a dog wagging its tail is always a delightful sight as it usually indicates their happiness and contentment. However, when a dog named Ward wagged his tail recently, it was a remarkable sign of how far he has progressed. In February, the McKamey Animal Center situated in Chattanooga, Tennessee, declared that they had taken in a six-year-old canine who was discovered lying beneath an abandoned vehicle. Unfortunately, the poor dog was paralyzed from the waist down, and it was evident that he had been hit by a car and was struggling for survival.
The McKamey Animal Center introduced a dog named Ward who seemed to be paralyzed and unable to move his legs, go to the bathroom or wag his tail. However, the shelter was impressed by the dog’s resilience and his sweet personality. Despite not knowing his final diagnosis yet, the team at the shelter was confident that Ward was a resilient fighter who would make progress. Ward was fitted with a custom-made wheelchair, and physical therapy was provided to see if his condition could improve. According to Laureen Maan, the director of advancement at the shelter, Ward showed signs of trying to run with his back legs, even though they were suspended in the chair. The shelter is hopeful for Ward’s future and will continue to provide him with love and care until he finds his forever home.
The local veterinary clinic provided Ward with free hydrotherapy sessions, during which he ran on a treadmill in a tank filled with glass water. In a subsequent update, the shelter reported that after several physical therapy sessions, Ward was able to move his legs. They noted that the dog displayed remarkable resilience and hope. Additionally, there was some great news – six months following his arrival at the shelter, Ward was adopted! Despite being overlooked for over 180 days due to his paralyzed state, Kellyn Murphy and her husband Matt knew that Ward was the dog for them.
Upon seeing him, Kellyn made it her mission to assist Ward in becoming mobile and upright. As a physical therapy assistant, she spends her days aiding individuals in achieving these goals, and believed she could do the same for Ward. Following his release to the Murphy’s care, Kellyn continued Ward’s physical therapy and provided him with therapeutic stretching sessions on a daily basis. The Washington Post reported that she even adapted a thrift store walker to help him practice standing up.
Less than two weeks after arriving in his new home, something amazing happened to Ward – he wagged his tail for the first time! Kelly, Ward’s new owner, said it was a small and brief wag, but she believes it was out of happiness. Since then, Ward has wagged his tail at least five or six times, and Kelly is optimistic that it will continue as he grows stronger. Ward is still improving every day, and Kelly hopes to train him as a therapy dog for individuals facing mobility issues.