Special Olympics

Sept 9th 2007

First ever Canine Wellness Special Olympics-post event
First ever Canine Wellness Special Olympics......To order pictures please call us at Canine Wellness Centre 416-690-1077)

Canine Wellness Centre Hosted the first ever Special Olympics on a rainy Sunday, Sept 9th 2007. The idea was a result of a course I took in march 2007, at Eddies Wheels. For those of you unfamiliar with Eddies Wheels, they are the worlds best manufacturers of wheelchairs for dogs. During the course I witnessed countless numbers of dogs come in the door paralyzed in the front or back and unable to walk. After learning to carefully measure each dog, we placed them in their new wheels and watched them fly like the wind down the ramp to the river that flows at the back of the property. It was truly inspiring. I realized then that canines are quite different to humans in their struggle with paralysis. Fundamentally a dog has no emotional attachment to the wheels that become part of them. Their only concern appears to be how fast they are able to move to catch a squirrel or chase a ball! This got me thinking, wouldn't it be great to host some type of event to show others how incredible animals with disabilities are and how amazing these dedicated owners are in the quest to allow their canine companions to live life to the fullest. So there the seed was planted and so began the endless hours of planning and finding volunteers.

The event was truly spectacular, even though I missed most of it running around trying to figure out how to deal with dogs, people space and of course the rain which decided to rain on our Parade! We started with Myself, Karen Sandford and Sierra who is recovering from a broken back. We showed owners a host of tricks that can be used for dogs with arthritis, 3 legs and even two legs (thanks to the two brave Bulldogs who humbled crowds with their amazing tricks!) Next began the doggie challenge which was a cross between modified agility and rally O and was judged by our infamous Peggy Holmes- great job! The course was a little slick but many still braved the elements with quite the demonstration from Luka the 3 legged Greyhound, he put many to shame. Even Sheelagh in her wheelchair completed the course in record time and showed that girls with wheels have more fun! As luck would have it we also managed to have a doggie wheelchair race with our centre dog Bella Boo and Sheelagh.... I think it was a tie but both put paws to the pavement and showed all how fast those Eddies Wheels can go!

Next came the downpour of rain so everyone one ran inside to seek shelter, as Tara and I and our many volunteers kicked into gear with PLAN B or was it Plan Z? We managed to continue without a hitch (well almost!) and begin the afternoon events.

Dr Rona Sherebrin DVM talked about Chinese Medicine and how it helps your pet, and Dr Leslie Woodcock talked about the many benefits of Chiropractic care for your canine companion. Following the seminars we fired up the barbeque and Russell and his canine assistant Sammy provided burgers and hotdogs.

The afternoon saw many splashes as everyone flocked to the pool to watch the swim events. I think everyone enjoyed watching Rascal, the 13 yr old Jack Russell who is paralyzed in the hind limbs, plunge into the pool and miraculously started swimming using his back legs...Emma the Pomeranian showed all her finesse and grace while sporting her designer life jacket, and of course Bailey (who owns stocks in our pool) glided around each corner of the pool making sure that everyone taking photos got his "good side" In the background dogs patiently waited their turn like well behaved children, except of course my own dog, Otis. He successfully managed to perfect his Houdini act and escape 4 times! We have now learned of his secret escape route and have secured the perimeter.

I think many were also impressed with two of our canine competitors Skip and Emma who sported their designer knee braces (made by Pawsability) and truly showed how important the quality of life is for our canine companions.

To close the day we heard from Claudia Hehr, Animal Communicator to understand what we can learn from our canine companions. I think everyone left feeling much more connected to their dogs. Thanks Claudia for sharing your experience with us.

but the most memorable portion of the day for me was Luka the White Shepard who suffers from Degenerative Myelopathy (similar to Multiple Sclerosis). He came near the end of the day and was joined with 3 other dogs all in wheelchairs. They all played happily around the centre rolling over the feet of anyone that happened to be in the way. (editors note: too bad it wasn't acceptable for people in wheelchairs to roll over anything in their way!)

The day may have been hectic, and I was an emotional mess, and more tired then competing in a Triathlon, but the all the dogs that came that day, proved to me that this event was a success and that all the owners with canines with disabilities should be applauded for their continued commitment to their dog.

So thanks to all that attended and supported a great cause, Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund and an Eddies Wheels Wheelchair, without you we would not have raised the $1400 which has been forwarded to our charities. And a special thanks to Whose Your Doggy for taking great photos of the day.


Thanks Again,
Tara and Tania
Look forward to this being an annual event!