Teal, Wheels And A Tiara: We Interview Princess Lilo - Weenie on Wheels, IVDD Warrior
- Fella and Tidda
- Sep 1, 2015
- 4 min read
Most people don't realize that dogs in wheelchairs do everyday doggie things and that they happily roll on through life.
We wanted to find out a little bit more about life in a wheelchair and Princess Lilo Weenie was gracious enough to allow us an interview, all the way from her home in the USA. Princess Lilo suffered from Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD when she was five and is currently living a happy life on WHEELS.
You're a wheelie dog (and a super-cute one at that). Do you use your wheels all the time or do you have some mobility without them?
**My wheels make me much faster! Mummy lets me roll around the house all the time cuz it's actually easier on my body! When it's break time or nap time, I go into my dragbag and scoot around safely. My arms are super duper strong, so I can carry my whole body with my buff arms! I drag around really fast too but I always get tired much quicker that way. Mummy always makes me take breaks from my wheelchair, even though I wanna stay in there all day!
Was it difficult to learn how to use your wheels and do you have different sorts of wheels, like indoor and outdoor wheels?
**Mummy said I learned really quickly! It's like how mums of human kids say "my kid is so advanced at their age"..blah blah. But for me, it was really true!!!! The moment Mummy took the cart out of the box and put it on me...I instantly darted away & realized that epic moment that I was walking again. It was quite an emotional day! My cart can be used indoors and outdoors, but Mummy just has to wipe my wheels a little bit before coming back into the house.
When you first were diagnosed with IVDD you had emergency surgery and eight months of rehabilitation. What sort of rehabilitation therapies do IVDD patients usually have to go through?
***There are a number of treatments provided to IVDD pups at the rehabilitation facilities! The ones I've tried are:
Acupuncture
Electrical stimulation
Laser treatment
Water treadmill/Hydrotherapy
Core exercises
Do you suffer from pain in your back or legs?
***Fortunately., none whatsoever. I can't feel them at all, from about my lower half, through the legs, toes and tail. I no longer have any pain in my back or my legs. Since my surgery, my back has never bothered me. Some pups though, still have lots of pain :( I of course need a lot of help in the diaper department. So Mum changes my nappies about 5 times a day.
Are there things that are especially difficult for you to do when you're in your wheels?
***Hmm, I haven't walked up/down the stairs in over 2.5 years! That's ok, because Mummy carries me up and down. I don't jump anymore, but jumping is no good anyway. That's just about all I can't do.
Are wheels expensive and do they need to be replaced often?
***Mummy got my cart from EDDIE's WHEELS FOR PETS. Her and Daddio did lotsa research and thought it would be the best one for me!! They needed my exact measurements at that time. I was very skinny because I was not active or mobile in over 3 months :( But it fit perfectly and I never had a problem with it!!!! But over the next 1.5 years, I gained all my muscle back, especially in my front arms & chest. That was when it was a little bit harder to run fast in them. So Mummy and Daddy ordered me a new one from Eddie's Wheels. It fits perfect again and haven't had any problems!!! I think this will be my forever cart!! Each wheelchair costs about $400.
What's the best thing about being a wheelie dog?
***The best thing is that I get to roll over feet and no one can get mad at me :) I can go real fast, just like any other pup. I don't feel any different than before. I can go anywhere and not worry about my legs or feet getting hurt. Having my wheelchair means I can move freely and be a happy dog like everyone else. It's a part of me now and I would be sad without it.
Are you really a Princess?
***100% purebred Princess!! But mum taught me that being a Princess means I have to show good character, inspiration, and spread awareness about my life. This is me now, and I love ME!
With Love,
prinss_lilo_weenie
Through September, the WeenTeam will be raising money to provide the gift of mobility for dogs in need. Join us to celebrate the tenancity of our Wheelie Dog friends by wearing teal for the month of September. You can support us by:
Joining the Photo a Day Challenge to help others understand that injuries or issues that lead to the need for wheels need not be death sentence
Buying a Blanket or Neckerchief from The Smoothe Store to raise funds to provide the gift of mobility for dogs in need
Share our posts on Facebook and Instagram to create awareness of Wheelie Dog pawsomeness
Finally, we'd like you to go over and visit the truly fabulous Princess Lilo Weenie. Her community of Instagram friends is over 25,000 strong and she's recently joined Facebook too. Be sure to like her pages and above all, wish her HAPPY BIRTHDAY, as this month we are also celebrating her birthday.
Thank you, Princess Lilo for sharing your story and being a true ambassador for #teals4wheels.
Woofs and Wags,
Fella and Tidda
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