When I noticed this coonhound on Instagram, I immediately wanted to find out more. I wanted to hear the story. Her rescuer’s girlfriend shared the details with me, and I thought a story so heartwarming should be shared on the blog.
Sweet Petunia Petunia is a one year old blue tick coonhound, rescued from a kill shelter in South Carolina. Petunia and all of her ten siblings were shot and she was the only survivor. She has scoliosis so it is believed that all of her siblings had some sort of issue as well. The bullet that shot Petunia is still lodged in her spine and doctors felt that surgery could cause further damage. She was rescued by St Hubert’s in New Jersey.
Beautiful girl ! Enter her rescuer, who started randomly looking for a puppy in March of this year, after his sons witnessed their own puppy get run over and killed by a reckless driver. The puppy they lost was similar in looks to Petunia, so he decided it was meant to be. The fact that Petunia came with some “complications” did not deter him, even though he had never dealt with a handicapped pet before, he decided everyone and every dog deserves a chance. Petunia has been living with her family since April of this year with her three human brothers, one dog brother and two cat sisters, plus her awesome Dad and proud Aunt.
Petunia loves to zoom around in her wheelchair and play tug of war with all of her two and four legged family (uhhh minus the cats) She reports that her owner is amazing with her. “He has a gentle but firm way with her. He doesn’t treat her like she “can’t”, reports her proud Aunt. “He wants her to explore and try new things.” She is now able to “stand” on her back legs and walk a few feet. Petunia is showered with love and affection from everyone and loves everyone back in return. The family handles the paralysis together. Petunia has to wear diapers and everyone in the family is now expert at changing them. Petunia is pretty much treated like a normal pup. She has a daily routine, which includes play time, wheel time and rest time.
Petunia is truly a gem. And like most dogs her love knows no bounds and she does not see herself as “handicapped”. This family has embraced her and accepted her with truly inspiring love, kindness and courage. Obviously Petunia has found her perfect family. I am truly honored to share her story !!
#hounddogamazing