Life With Dogs: Formerly Paralyzed Spaniel Miraculously Walks To His Person

I know you all crave some inspiring stories these days, and this is a big one. One day back in 2008, Simi Valley resident Janie noticed her 8-year-old Springer Spaniel Sammi limping. His limping became worse, and two weeks later he started falling down. A vet told her he had a spinal injury. Further tests revealed that he had a slipped disk just below his neck. A growing bone was putting pressure on his spinal cord.

Sammi underwent surgery and spent nine days in the hospital. Still, by the time he arrived at California Animal Rehabilitation in Santa Monica, Sammi couldn’t walk at all. He couldn’t even hold his head up. People thought this dog would never walk again. He proved them all wrong with his incredible determination.

C.A.R.E. shared Sammi’s amazing story on their website:

“Dr. Jessica took good care of Mom that day and Amy took him into her heart and into her world of rehabilitation. She worked with him tirelessly everyday, as did the entire crew of C.A.R.E. They showed us that anything is possible and they showed Sammi how to be strong. And he did.”

Today, you’d never know what happened to him. What an incredible success story! A dedicated team of caregivers and pure drive got Sammi back on his feet again.

This video shows Janie seeing Sammi walk again for the first time, 3 months after his surgery. (Grab a tissue.)

An Incredible Recovery

At Sammi’s initial evaluation, he couldn’t even move by himself. Footage from California Animal Rehabilitation shows multiple people holding him and helping him move his legs.

Sammi underwent intensive therapy there. C.A.R.E.’s comprehensive rehabilitation process involves veterinarians and physical therapists certified in canine rehabilitation. The team worked with him on strengthening his core muscles, assisted standing in the underwater treadmill, and sensory rehabilitation over a therapy ball.

Progress came slowly, starting with lifting his head to get a treat. The day he was able to sit himself up was nothing short of miraculous. Everyone was so unbelievably proud of this amazing dog. He came so far!

“Then one day it finally happened — he took his first steps, and although he could not even stand and balance on his own that day, through continued rehabilitation, patience and sheer determination, he learned to walk again and never looked back. Today Sammi not only walks – he runs, jumps, swims and plays. You’d never know what he’s been through to look at him now!”

Another video details more of Sammi’s impressive recovery.