A disabled dog who lost the use of his hind legs has been given a second chance at life after being fitted with a special wheelchair instead of being put down.
Gilbert, a Hungarian Vizsla puppy, has not been able to use his hind legs since he was accidentally trodden on when he was five days old.
A vet advised owners Jane and Kevin Bircumshaw, from Bournemouth, to have Gilbert put down as his spinal injuries were so severe but they refused to give up on him.
Gilbert, a Hungarian Vizsla puppy, has not been able to use his hind legs since he was accidentally trodden on when he was five days old
A vet advised owners Jane and Kevin Bircumshaw, from Bournemouth, to have Gilbert put down as his spinal injuries were so severe but they refused to give up on him
They found a company that specialises in making ‘wheelchairs’ for dogs and one was built for Gilbert and the contraption is strapped to his back with the two wheels acting as his legs.
Gilbert can now enjoy walks like any normal dog and happily bounds around his local park playing ball.
Mr Bircumshaw, 61, a painter and decorator, said: ‘Gilbert is definitely happiest when he’s in his wheelchair, his tail wags and he loves running around. He can go really fast but every now and then he gets too excited and tips himself over.
Gilbert can now enjoy walks like any normal dog and happily bounds around his local park playing ball
The Bircumshaws found a company that specialises in making ‘wheelchairs’ for dogs and one was built for Gilbert
‘I have a group of friends I walk with and all the dogs have accepted Gilbert, when we go out on walks he goes to play like a normal dog.
His injuries mean that no insurer will cover him so the Bircumshaws have had to fundraise £15,000 to cover the extensive vet bills and physiotherapy treatment he needs.
But through social media Gilbert has attracted a worldwide following on Facebook, with fans from all over the world donating and supporting him.
His injuries mean that no insurer will cover him so the Bircumshaws have had to fundraise £15,000 to cover the extensive vet bills and physiotherapy treatment he needs
The contraption is strapped to his back with the two wheels acting as his legs and he has most of the weight on his front legs
Mrs Bircumshaw massages Gilbert three times a day to stimulate the muscles in his lower back and hind legs, as well as massaging his front legs to keep them strong because they are bearing all his weight.
As well as the physio at home, Gilbert also has hydrotherapy sessions once a week.
His treatment costs about £1,000 a month and looking after him is like a full-time job for his owners.
Gilbert has already had two corrective operations and is now receiving steroid injections to build up the muscles in his back legs before he can have the next surgery.
Gilbert has already had two corrective operations and is now receiving steroid injections to build up the muscles in his back legs before he can have the next surgery
His treatment costs about £1,000 a month and looking after him is like a full-time job for his owners
The Bircumshaws hope he will be able to put weight on his back legs to allow him to stand and walk around the house without support.
But he will still need his wheelchair when out and about and because he is not fully grown, he will need a new £500 every six months.
Mr Bircumshaw said: ‘When we first got Gilbert we paid for an MRI scan, because until then nobody really knew what was wrong with him.
‘That showed he had a massive trauma to his spine. There was lots of fluid around his spine which was damaging the nerves to his back legs.
The Bircumshaws hope he will be able to put weight on his back legs to allow him to stand and walk around the house without support
‘His right hip had been crushed to the extent that it had stopped growing.
‘We were told that normally a dog with those severe injuries would be put down, but we couldn’t have done that.’
Mrs Bircumshaw, 57, said: ‘My friend was looking after the puppies and sent me a video. They all looked the same apart from Gilbert who was in the corner with his back legs splayed on the floor.
‘I just fell in love with him.
Gilbert will still need his wheelchair when out and about and because he is not fully grown, he will need a new £500 every six months
‘When they said we should put him down I asked if he was in any pain. They said no and I thought well he’s got a happy life, I’m not going to put him down if he’s not in pain.
‘It is a lot of work, it’s like having a newborn baby, especially with the nappy bit, but I wouldn’t change it.
‘He’s a happy, lovely dog, it doesn’t seem to affect him at all.
‘He’s very strong, I’ve never known such a determined dog.
‘We received an award from the Hungarian Vizsla Association for showing people that disabled dogs can have a life.
‘He’s got fans all over the world who follow his journey, mostly other vizsla owners. They’ve been so supportive, they send him presents.’
People can follow Gilbert’s progress through the Facebook page Gilbert’s Journey, the journey of a less able Hungarian Vizsla puppy or donate towards his treatment at gofundme.com/gilberts-journey.