Two-month-old puppy looks for leg up after losing partial mobility

Valor the puppy lost the use of his back legs and was surrendered to a local rescue. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk explains how the public can help.

At nearly two months old, a little puppy named Valor is making big strides in his road to recovery.

The mini poodle-golden retriever mix was surrendered to a rescue in St. Jacobs, Ont. after losing part of his mobility.

“He had his vaccination at five weeks and within hours he lost all use of his back legs,” said Hobo Haven Rescue founder and president Chris Schaefer.

Schaefer said she was contacted by a commercial breeder who had a puppy that wouldn’t sell.

“They decided it would be in his best interest to surrender him to a rescue,” she said.

While it’s not clear what caused Valor’s condition, Schaefer said his genetic makeup may have played a role in hindering his hind legs.

“You cannot guarantee a definitive answer,” she said. “The fact that both stopped versus one, indicates it was either in a spinal nerve or a genetic reaction to the vaccine itself.”

For now, Valor lives in a foster home in Kitchener, Ont. His foster parent, Samantha Mills, said he’s working on regaining full mobility.

“It does involve physiotherapy – quite extensive and lengthy physiotherapy,” said Mills. “So that’s most likely what’s in store for him.”

However, rehabilitation comes at a cost – one that’s currently unknown to the rescue.

“It depends how long he has to be in physio,” said Schaefer. “It’s not inexpensive.”

Hobo Haven Rescue is collecting donations online and will be holding an in-person fundraiser at Creature Comfort Pet Emporium on Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/hobohavenrescue

Once Valor has regained his strength, Schaefer said she expects him to be up for adoption.

“Then, carefully screen and select the right family who understands his background, understands his risks with vaccines, and is prepared to love him unconditionally,” she said.

Working with commercial breeders

It isn’t the first time Schaefer’s worked with commercial breeders. She said her top priority is saving the dogs who otherwise wouldn’t get a shot.

“We’ve got 20 years solid reputation of, ‘thank you for letting us save the dog instead of destroying it, have a nice day,’” said Schaefer. “Because if we don’t have that relationship, the dogs don’t get to come.”

She said she’s glad she can be a last resort.

“Rather than destroying them, they now know they can work with rescues and trust that they will keep their location confidential,” she said.

“There’s a lot of rescues that will disclose locations, name names. That’s not in the best interest of the dog. You’re not accomplishing anything. Just build the trust so they don’t get destroyed.”