Meet Kiwi: A Brave Survivor Kiwi first came to Walking Paws Rehab at just 4 months old, arriving in Colorado from the south with Red Fern Animal Rescue. With multiple rib fractures and spinal injuries, Kiwi’s early days were filled with pain and uncertainty.
The First Steps: A New Beginning When Kiwi arrived, she was unable to walk or even change positions on her own. Our initial focus was to help her transition through basic functional movements, starting with sitting and standing. Within a few sessions, Kiwi showed incredible progress and her playful spirit began to shine.
Making Waves in Rehabilitation Using our underwater treadmill, Kiwi started learning how to move again. She was so motivated and eager to improve! On November 11, Kiwi experienced the joy of mobility in a Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair, cruising around the clinic with newfound freedom.
Building Strength and Confidence With her confidence growing, we focused on strengthening her hindlimbs and improving her gait. By late November, Kiwi was stepping actively with her back legs and making significant strides in her recovery.
Small Wins, Big Changes Throughout December, Kiwi continued to show progress, scooting around without her wheelchair and even wagging her tail. By the end of the year, Kiwi was standing for extended periods and embracing her puppyhood with joy.
A Happy Ending: Kiwi Finds Her Forever Home Kiwi was happily adopted in the new year and moved to Washington state to continue her rehab with her new family. From a depressed puppy with no motivation to a lively, zooming dog, Kiwi’s transformation is a testament to the power of love and dedicated care.