Isabel Our Belgian Sheepdog Who Is A Paralyzed dog Now on Wheels!
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Our Belgian Sheepdog, Isabel, a love story
Isabel is the beautiful female black Belgian sheepdog mix that my husband Jim and I got from the rescue league 2 weeks after the death of our golden retriever Nicolas.
We went to the rescue league because we wanted to be sure to get a dog that wasn't purebred and therefore would have none of their problems.(We could not have been more wrong) We weren't willing to take the chance of having anything go wrong with our new baby.
We neither one believed we would survive Nicki's death, but Isabel, our beautiful little adopted Belgian Sheepdog puppy, helped to save us. This is her story.
Contents at a Glance
- If You Are Interested in a Belgian Sheep...
- From Where did our little Belgian Sheepd...
- Isabel Before Her Paralysis, February 20...
- Isabel After Surgery
- Our Paralyzed Belgian Sheepdog is Blissf...
- Isabel, Our Belgian Sheepdog is a Dog On...
- Another View of Our Dog on Wheels
- Here Our Belgian Sheepdog, Isabel Is Wit...
- Isabel Our Most Beautiful and Content Be...
If You Are Interested in a Belgian Sheepdog
Learn Some More About Them
This book is filled with gorgeous photos of this striking breed of dog, the Belgian Sheepdog. Did you know there are four varieties of this one breed, Belgian Sheepdog? This makes the breed unique among pedigree dogs. You will learn everything you ever needed or wanted to know about this wonderful dog. We love ours, and recommend the breed to anyone.
The Complete Belgian Shepherd Dog (Book of the Breed S.)
Amazon Price: $244.67 (as of 02/14/2012)
From Where did our little Belgian Sheepdog Puppy Come?
How we got Isabel.
If you are a dog lover like my husband and I are, you have to be familiar with Golden Retrievers. They are the most incredible, loving, devoted and beautiful dogs God ever created. Well, our Isabel is NOT a Golden. You may be thinking why even mention Goldens? Because the fact that our Isabel is not a Golden is an identifier for her specailness. Let me explain.
We had a Golden Retriever to beat all Golden Retrievers. We had him 10 years, and he developed brain cancer and we finally had to face the decision that all dog lovers have to go through. We lost our Nicholas in October of 2001. It almost destroyed my husband and me. It was as if we had lost our child. That is his picture in the corner.
Well two weeks later we felt the need to try to fill the holes in our hearts. We went to the County Rescue league and started searching for our new dog. Whatever dog we chose, had some really big shoes to fill, and of course we were cautious but very ready to give our love to a new "child".
The child we chose was our Isabel. She is a Belgian Sheepdog mix. She is black as night and Nick was Golden. She is going to be 50 pounds, Nick was 110 pounds. She will be knee high and Nick was waist high. Uh oh, how will this work?
When we first met our Isabel she was in a cage in a room with a Miniature Pincher, she seemed a little intimidated. A small little fluff ball of black fur. When we paid any attention to her she would roll over on her back and make a little fountain for our viewing pleasure.
She did it! She stepped right into Nick's shoes and won our hearts 100% and filled the holes that were so painful. We love our Isabel.
Isabel As She Was in 2006
before she became a paralyzed dog
A Younger Isabel, Looking good, October 2004
Isabel Before Her Paralysis, February 2006, She is Gorgeous
There Was No Illness, No Trauma That We Were Aware Of
But our Beautiful Belgian Sheepdog Was Paralyzed
We had Isabel for four years. She is devoted to my husband. They are walking buddies. They are traveling buddies. They are always together. Isabel was the fastest dog on legs. Squirrels had long since learned not to test her. They would lose. She was the queen of her domain.
We had some friends visiting us from England at the time and we had been gone for several hours. When we came home it seemed that Isabel was not herself. She was exhibiting symptoms in dogs that we knew were very suspicious of what might be happening. "What's wrong baby?" Oh wouldn't it be wonderful if they would just say whatever it is. But we tried to evaluate how she was acting and decided she must have somehow hurt her leg. Her left back leg was not right and she was limping. We took her for a short walk to try to work it out and she was more than willing, very happy to be going with her daddy out for a walk. She did fine on the walk and came home without the limp.
We had our dinner and by the time the meal was over Isabel had lodged herself up against my husband's legs and was in obvious distress. We got her out from under the table and tried to get her to walk and she just stumbled about. Her back legs weren't working. The symptoms in dogs we were fearful of were now terrifying us. Within 10 more minutes she couldn't walk at all!
We called the emergency Vet's, it was about midnight, and told them what had been going on, and they insisted we get there NOW! We carried Isabel to the car and laid her on pillows and she was whimpering with pain. It was awful. When we got to the Vet's 20 minutes later. She was much worse.
A better Look at Jim and Isabel on a Great Day!
Emergency Surgery -She Was Going to Die Without It
Our Precious Girl Would Now Be Parlayzed
They examined her right away, and said she had lost her reflex that allows her to stand on the bottom of her feet. She would put the tops of her feet down when assisted to stand by the Veterinarian, she looked very concerned and said we needed to act quickly. Like I said it was about midnight. By 3am she had had a CAT scan, a myelogram and was prepped for surgery. They explained to us that the cord was badly damaged. Her disc had ruptured and it went inward hitting her spinal cord like a bullet. There was obviously a lot of damage but they wouldn't know how much till they were in there. But for sure, her life was in jeopardy, if the damage started moving upward it would affect her heart and lungs and she would die. Our only choice was to have the surgery. What would you have done? We had the surgery.
After a couple of hours the doc came out and spoke with us. Isabel was stable but not out of danger. It would be "touch and go" for next few days. The cord damage could still travel upwards. If her spinal cord began to die she would also die. Oh and one more thing. She is paralyzed in her back limbs. She can no longer walk.
Every time we came to the hospital we came with all her foods and treats because she would not eat for the technicians and she was losing weight. We would sit with her in her cage and hold her head and marvel at her surgical incisions. It was really quite frightening. She also had a foley catheter, her urine was very thick and concentrated because she also would not drink for them. She was just very depressed. They were also giving her pain killers to help her cope with the recovery. Once we had arrived though she would drink like a little starved dog and even take her food and treats, although not in the usual amounts, but we were so happy to see her eat and drink and we were rewarded by her urine clearing right up and looking normal. It's amazing the things that bring you happiness.
But when it was time for us to leave, she would cry and just break our hearts. The technicians would try to distract her, but we knew she wanted to be with us.
Isabel After Surgery
She was very weak
She was on pain medication and was so weak we had to do everything for her. We had to carefully move here anywhere she needed to go. She could do very little for herself, and certainly didn't comprehend that she was now paralyzed.
A Six Inch Incision!!
Not a Good Look For A Little Girl
Isabel Was Recovering After Her Surgery Slowly
Not Yet Up to Par Post-Operatively
As you can see she now needs to wears diapers. And at this point in our journey we didn't have a clue as to how to make this work.
One thing we learned fast is that you cannot afford "dog" diapers. Bell had no control over her bowel or bladder. We needed a solution quick. So we bought some huggies in bulk from the warehouse store, according to her weight and waste size, cut a hole and viola, she was diapered.
We have it down to a science now and she is doing better. Has about 90% control of bowel and 50% of bladder. And we have experimented with the perfect combination of Diapers, poise pads and Depends adult diapers. She is now dry and well padded and my carpet is no longer requiring shampooing daily. Life is good!
The one draw back...When we go to the store to replenish her needed supplies, I am convinced that people are looking in our basket and feeling sorry for those poor people who have such a severe case of incontinence.
Oh well, She is worth it.
Our Paralyzed Belgian Sheepdog is Blissfully Unaware That Anything Is Different
Life After Tragedy
Well, needless to say, This story has a happy ending. Isabel is completely unaware that anything at all is different in her life. She is very happy and well adjusted. She now runs and plays like she always did, but now she does it on wheels, like a pro. She is very active on and off her wheels. She can move like lightning just pulling forward with her front feet. Just let her hear the rustle of her jerky treats in the kitchen and she is at your feet in seconds. She loves to go for her daily walk and she runs and sniffs and lives life large while she takes her dad for a walk.
She is the Bell of the neighborhood. Before her accident Jim and I knew the direct neighbors on any side of us. But now we know the whole neighborhood and several streets away. People will come out of their houses to greet Bell and check how she is doing.
Before the accident Bell was very timid and would actually hide behind Jim's legs when someone would approach. She doesn't want someone to approach her that she doesn't know, but she is thrilled to see her friends in the neighborhood and will run to them while on a walk and they appear.
Bell knows she is well loved and is secure in the knowledge that she owns our hearts.
A much Happier and Perky Isabel.
This is Isabel about 4 months after her surgery. She is getting around very well on her own two feet. And Jim and I take her for walks in her sling. One of us on each side of her. She weighs about 50 pounds so it was killing my back to be hauling her around like that. So we decided it was time to get some wheels.
We had waited awhile because our surgeon said we didn't want to tell her mind she didn't have to walk, she had wheels. She said if she missed being able to walk she would try harder.
Isabel had a good chance of being able to walk again. A spinal injury in dogs or humans, heals at 1mm per day. So our surgeon said it could take up to two years. So She wanted us to wait until 6 months before we gave her wheels. So we agreed.
Bell didn't care, she had the life of Riley. She was the center of attention and her Mom and Dad had enough guilt to keep her well stocked in treats.
Can you say indulged and spoiled.
Isabel, Our Belgian Sheepdog is a Dog On Wheels Finally, February 2007
Pretty Snazzy looking
Another View of Our Dog on Wheels
A Great Day
Isabel And Jim Out For A Walk
Definitely Not the End of This Story
Here Our Belgian Sheepdog, Isabel Is With Her "Sister" Abigail, Who Has Taken Care of Her Since She Was A Baby
Isabel And Abigail Were Inseparable, Best Friends
Since Isabel took the place of our Nicholas, who was the protector of little Abigail her whole life until then, it was only right that the dog that took Nicholas' place would develop the most wonderful relationship with his Abigail. And she did.
They are the best of friends and love each other dearly. Since Isabel became paralyzed, Abigail is her friend, buddy and playmate. They get along perfectly and harmony rules. It is a perfect state of affairs. And since Bell is handicapped and Abigail has slowed down, they are at the same pace.
It couldn't be better. If you would like to meet Abigail, my puppy mill puppy, please check her lens HERE
The Point Is...
A pet is as important to some people as a child.
When tragedy strikes,
You adjust and figure out how to handle it.
You don't just throw away a family member.
There actually is no other option.
We love our Isabel
and our lives are richer with her in it.
We have our Bell.
The adjustments we have made
are no big deal.
Life is Wonderful.
We have our Bell!
Isabel Our Most Beautiful and Content Belgian Sheepdog, October 2008
Everyone Has A Choice
Are you a Dog or Cat person?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byDogs are tops
SheilaSchnauzies says:
Oh, definitely dogs rule and cats drool! (But I love them too:)
Posted February 15, 2012
Joie says:
My mother had a phobia of cats, so we only had dogs. I truly love their unquestioning loyalty and friendship.
Posted January 29, 2012
JessyGene says:
I'm actually a rat person, but i like dogs and cats too. But because I always keep rats I don't think I will have a cat at the same time.
Posted January 27, 2012
WhitU4ever says:
I'm definitely a dog person. I've had them since little, as well as cats. And although cats are cute and playful when young, they can be independent, indifferent and impersonal as adults. Depends on what you get, of course. But my dogs have always been not only loving and loyal, but useful. I have a Border Collie and German Shorthair Pointer, and they both love to play ball, frisbee, and then guard the property and herd the goats from the pasture into the pen at night. They respond so well to praise, and like Isabel, they just aren't the same when we aren't there either.
Posted January 26, 2012
Daphsam says:
I am a dog person. Your lens is the most touching lens I have read. I have tears in my eyes and totally understand your feels. Our dogs are our children and we will do everything for them. My Mother's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an on going illness that the vet can't figure out. Little Priness Fiona has bloody stool every 2 to 3 weeks. She is so sweet but has been dealt with a hand of stomach issues. My Mother takes unbelievable care of her baby. It's true want you said.. You don't get rid of a family member becuase they are sick, you adjust your life, no big deal. Thank you for sharing you story of this wonderful, sweet story of your Bells.
Posted January 25, 2012
juliavm says:
I am and have always been a dog person. Love this story. Isabel is lucky to have owners like you that love her so much.
Posted January 24, 2012
flycatcher says:
The two are apples and oranges, but I have to choose dogs.
Posted December 23, 2011
No way, Cat's rule!
dustytoes says:
I love both, but since I just have cats now I'll have to choose cat person!
Posted November 09, 2010
JaguarJulie says:
Ah, my dear -- you probably already know that Jaguar Julie is a Cat Lady! Ya know -- them country club cats, the feral cats etc. I love dogs as my sisters and brother have dogs -- lots of dogs -- and my other sister works in a pet shelter.
Posted December 06, 2008
colbor says:
Congratulations Susan - great story - loved it ! I am a cat person because they are, well .....quieter !
Robert
Posted November 24, 2008
naturegirl7 says:
I am an animal person. I've always had both dogs and cats and I like the special things about each of them. No matter the species each has its own unique personality.
Posted November 04, 2008
Jimmie says:
Cat person, but that's not to say that a very special dog can't make its way into my heart.
Posted October 21, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
I'm a cat person, but maybe I've just never met the right dog!
Posted October 20, 2008
JustBon-Crochet-Designs says:
Well, we have four cats in the house, so I guess I'd have to say I'm a cat person. Throughout the years, I've owned both and so understand the love and devotion each bring.
Posted October 16, 2008
WendyKrick says:
I'm a cat person. We have 3 cats. But I got to tell you Isabel is amazing! What a Dog!~Wendy
Posted October 16, 2008
Information Regarding Paralyzed Dogs Noted In Blogs
- Disabled Woman Unable To Help Her Service Dog, Donations Accepted
- Momentarily paralyzed, they may fall or worse. If it happens while they are driving or working in the kitchen for instance, it can be extremely dangerous. Those who suffer from cataplexy can't anticipate where or when it will strike.
- Pet therapy dogs bring joy to hospital patients
- Watching the dogs interact with them, it gives you chills." Detroy tells stories of stroke patients who are seemingly paralyzed reaching out to pet a therapy dog and of an Alzheimer's patient who had seemingly lost the ability to speak, ...
- Treating Dogs' Cancers Helps Humans?
- Paralyzed Dog Trained to Help Disabled Watch Video Dogs Detecting Cancer Watch Video Dogs Eat the Darndest Things! Watch Video One beneficiary of that collaboration has been Rowdy, an 8-year-old Great Pyrenees dog diagnosed in August with bone cancer.
- Heart dogs: Alexandra Day and Zubi
- We went to hospitals all over the United States and Canada, and I can tell remarkable stories about children who spoke for the first time in six months, raised supposedly paralyzed hands to pet him; of dying children whose parents wept on his neck.
Belgian Sheepdogs, a Wonderful Dog to Love
We Figured She Would Someday Soon Need A companion.
A puppy just didn't seem right.
Isabel's main companion was Abigail. We knew Abigail was coming to the end of her life and we didn't want Isabel to be alone.
We didn't want a puppy, because it would take the center of attention away from Isabel. A puppy would be active and playful and "running" around on four legs. Just too much.
So we decided on a kitten. We got our Foxy. She has turned out to be such a huge source of pleasure for Isabel and the whole family. It was a perfect match.
Abigail Left Us August 6th 2009
It was the hardest thing I have ever had to endure
On August 6th, 2009, we did lose our precious Abigail. She had become so weak, she could no longer walk and the final day she was not eating or drinking and was trembling in pain, which was probably being caused by the tumor on her liver. It became obvious that her time had come.
The vet made it very gentle and humane. if such a thing can be good, this was. Isabel was allowed to have closure with Abigail. Actually "helping" us to dig her grave.
Isabel has bonded more closely with Foxy since Abagail's death, which of course was our hope for her. So she now has her new companion and they are best friends, as we hoped.
Isabel, Having a Quiet Moment - looking good in her ruffles!
I Always Tell People
Don't you feel sorry for her...
I'm the one who changes her diapers
Be sure to put Isabel somewhere safe so you can find her again
It helps with her security if she thinks you care. :)
Here are Nightbear's Other Animal Pages
Abigail too.
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Dog/Animal Rescue Groups
Worthy of your taking a look
- The Ark Animal Rescue
- We have long-term animals who will stay with us for the rest of their lives as they cannot be rehomed for a variety of reasons and animals which are waiting for a loving home. We take in animals for adoption from private homes, other rescues and sometimes via the dog warden. We have mainly dogs and cats but also have rabbits and small furries, including ferrets from time to time as well as occasional other species. We do not keep exotics.
- Jerry Green's Dog Rescue
- Jerry Green Dog Rescue receives no state or lottery funding. This means we are very much dependent on the generosity of the public - individual donors are our lifeline. Support Jerry Green today by making a donation online. It's easy, and most importantly it's secure.
- Hull Animal Welfare Trust
- The Hull Animal Welfare Trust was established in 1982 and in the subsequent years has re homed tens of thousands of animals. These are dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. It also incorporates the famous Hull Hedgehog Hospital.
- The Oldies Club
- We rescue and rehome Oldies Club dogs via a network of foster homes. Could you foster? »
We work with other rescues to publicise the plight of their older dogs too.
Isabel Looking great. August 2009
Great Animal Pages by Great Lensmasters
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Isabel, Abigail and I would like to thank you for reading
Do You Have A Belgian Sheepdog? Have You Ever Had a Paralyzed Dog?
Or maybe you just have a dog story you would love to share.
How do you feel about loving a paralyzed dog? Are you an Animal lover? Would you put out the effort?
This guest book is open to the public, feel free to leave a comment
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SheilaSchnauzies
Feb 15, 2012 @ 11:42 am | delete
- Tears in my eyes as I read your beautiful lens. I am so very touched at your love and care for this beautiful girl! So many people view animals as "property" that should be disposed of when it becomes "defective." You are obviously one of the people who views them as precious souls to be cared for at all costs. Schnauzie hugs to you and your furkids!
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Joie Jan 29, 2012 @ 12:37 am | delete
- What an amazing story!
Congratulations on making the front page!
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ForestsOfTranquility
Jan 29, 2012 @ 12:37 am | delete
- I have a Shepherd/Labrador that I adopted from a Kill Shelter when he was 1 or 2 years old, he is either 13 or 14 years old now. He started having trouble walking (back legs became weak, and back legs would sway like he was drunk. Back paws would curl under instead of flat too).
Took him to vets, had tests and x-rays done. Vet said he had arthritis in 4 vertebrae closest to his 'hind-end', and one area of his spine that had no cushioning left in between the discs.
He got put on Prednisone for two months and a muscle relaxer. I weaned him off of Prednisone (that stuff made my old dog crazy), and only gave him muscle relaxers on days he was walking very stiff and having really bad trouble. That was 4 months ago.
Today he still walks like a drunk on some days but has learned to walk better with his disability. But I'm fearing for that day when his one spinal disk will completely be worn and cause his back legs to not ever function.
-- Point is, I did'nt give up on him and tried many things to make him comfortable when the first signs showed up (very soft bed to lay on, make sure carpet is on the floor to walk on, make sure he is'nt overweight, and I make sure he gets very short bouts of slow exercise every day (no running, no jumping up), and his mood had improved greatly since those first days of his problems with his back legs and spine showed up.
I thought I was going to have to put him to sleep many months ago, I was wrong. Just needed to educate myself and figure things out with him. Today he wobbles out to the back yard and barks up a storm sometimes, because he thinks the back yard is his castle (and it is).
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nightbear
Jan 29, 2012 @ 12:48 am | delete
- I can't tell you how pleased I am you chose to share your story with us. That is what I try to help people do on my blog symptomsindogs.com. A lot of people have paralyzed dogs, I had no idea. And more importantly just like you, a lot of people want to help their dog instead of just giving up. thank you for your comment and thank you for loving your precious dog.
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ForestsOfTranquility
Jan 29, 2012 @ 1:05 am | delete
- No, I "Thank You" for writing this lens.
What an amazing and informative article you wrote. I have now learned even more from finding this lens of yours! Just in case my old dog finds it completely difficult to make it out to the backyard, etc, one day, I am wanting to get wheels for his back legs too. Next time I speak to my vet, I'm going to mention that to her. Great thing is, he shows zero signs of pain, when he walks the way he does. My vet says it's just that his muscles don't know what to do alot of times, (as if a nerve is being pinched sometimes and that creates legs and muscles to malfunction).
Thank you for this lens you wrote and for being such a wonderful and understanding Mommy to your Isabel and making her feel happy through her disability.
Take good care, and a hug to you.
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Isabel's Page was Honored with a Purple Star
August 29, 2011
Isabel's Lens has been awarded the Purple Star! A special honor that we both are so proud of. Thank you Squidoo and Squid Team.
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Here Is More Of Nightbear's Work
Baby Knit PatternsBaby knit patterns can be intimidating to some people, especially if you are new to knitting. They may seem too delicate or you may feel you are all thumbs...
Quick and Easy Dessert RecipesIna Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, says, "Your guests will forget what the meal was but never the dessert." Many people agree - just as I do! After a wonderful...
Acid Reflux caused by Gallbladder stonesOne of the symptoms of gallstones is an onset that is similar to acid reflux. These attacks are sudden and very painful and can sometimes lead individuals to...
Easy Knitting Patterns Can Help Your Determination to Enjoy KnittingPlease don't allow anyone or anything to stop you from knitting for your baby or anyone else's. There is just no reason for you not to enjoy the pleasure of...
Simple Baby Knitting PatternsYou never know where life will take you. There is always something cropping up to distract you from the really important things like Knitting.If you are a serious...
Meth Can Mess Up Your LifeMethamphetamine (crack, crystal, ice, meth) is one of the most invasive and morally degrading and completely addictive drugs there is. I've worked in the em...
The ToucanThe Toucan is a rainforest icon, He is the Rock Star of the Jungle. There are at least a dozen species and several smaller Toucanettes He lives in Central and...
Is Chivalry Dead? Should A Man Open A Ladies' Door?The Definition of Chivalry:
1. Gallantry, courtesy and honor.
2. The noble qualities a knight was supposed to have, such as courage and a readiness to help the...
The movie, Jesus Christ Superstar, is directed by Norman Jewison, stars Ted Neely and is a wonderfully funky 70's rendition revealing the last days of Jesus'...
Table of Contents
- If You Are Interested in a Belgian Sheepdog
- From Where did our little Belgian Sheepdog Puppy Come?
- Our Paralyzed Belgian Sheepdog is Blissfully Unaware That Anything Is Different
- Isabel, Our Belgian Sheepdog is a Dog On Wheels Finally, February 2007
- Another View of Our Dog on Wheels
- Here Our Belgian Sheepdog, Isabel Is With Her "Sister" Abigail, Who Has Taken Care of Her Since She Was A Baby
- Isabel Our Most Beautiful and Content Belgian Sheepdog, October 2008
- Information Regarding Paralyzed Dogs Noted In Blogs
- Belgian Sheepdogs, a Wonderful Dog to Love
by nightbear
Our Isabel is a Belgian Sheepdog Mix. We got her as a rescued puppy. We knew she was special from the beginning. But then tragedy struck and today she... more »
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Belgian Sheepdog, Comprehensive Owners Guide
Know about the dog you plan to love
Belgian Sheepdog (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 02/14/2012)
A beautiful poster of the Belgian Sheepdog
A Curious Loving Breed
Canvas Prints of Dog - Belgian Sheepdog / Groenendael - Peering over gate from Ardea Wildlife Pets
Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)
Isabel And Abigail Inspired This Blog
Some Good information about Dog Paralysis
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