For video of Willow click here
Willow, a beautiful black lab arrived at the Northumberland Humane Society (NHS) in December 2018 when she was only 8 months old.
Willow was surrendered to the NHS after an unfortunate car accident that left her paralyzed in the hind end. Although Willow’s legs weren’t working correctly, she arrived with a giant smile on her face and it was clear she wasn’t going to let her injury slow her down.
The dedicated team at NHS and one of their veterinary partners, Dr. Tacha Bessay-Torfs were determined to get Willow the necessary care she needed and to get her into a new, forever home.
Unfortunately, it was a long road to recovery.
Shortly after her arrival, Willow started to form wounds on her feet because of the unusual way she was walking and it became apparent that Willow was going to need more than just rehabilitation for her legs to help her recover.
“We quickly realized that Willow was going to need round-the-clock care to help manage her legs, and a dedicated foster family to help her on her journey” says Amanda Stewart, Animal Care Manager for the Northumberland Humane Society. “We owe so much of Willow’s recovery to Kelly and Bryn who have been so dedicated to saving Willow’s life.”
The NHS team, Dr. Tacha and Willow’s foster family worked daily on bandaging Willow’s feet and helping her gain the strength to walk but she needed more; she needed custom braces fitted to her unusual legs.
These braces would give her the support needed to run and play the way she so desperately wanted to. Willow made her first trip to a brace specialist in Toronto in February 2019 where she was fitted for her first brace. With new braces, Willow was finally up and moving the way a normal puppy should until her recovery faced another set back.
“An unusual infection formed in one of her legs requiring extensive medical treatment. We tried multiple rounds of different antibiotics but nothing was working.” says Stewart. “We were completely defeated as the infection spread up her leg. At this point, we didn’t know if there would be a future for this beautiful girl.”
Everyone involved in Willow’s case refused to give up on the bouncy, lovable lab and worked tirelessly on bandage changes, regular trips to her vet, and multiple appointments with specialists and it paid off. After a year of care, Willow is finally healed, braced and ready for the world.
“Willow is an incredible dog” says Kelly, Willow’s foster mom.
“Through all of her challenges, she never once lost her will to live or the bounce in her step!”
Willow’s foster family says she is the perfect dog and gets along great with kids and other animals. While out on her daily walks, she is eager to meet anyone who is willing to give her pets.
“She’s going to make a great family pet,” says Kelly.
When asked why the NHS would go through all that time and trouble to save just one dog, Stewart says, “as soon as you meet Willow, you can see her desire to live, run, and be part of a family. How could we give up on her?”
“Our mandate is to save as many animals as we can and we will continue to do so.”
The Northumberland Humane Society relies solely on donations and support from the community to be able to provide life saving care to animals like Willow.
Everyday more and more animals are coming through their doors in need of TLC and medical care.
If you would like to make a donation to the Northumberland Humane Society or more information on Willow’s adoption, please contact the NHS at 905-885-4131 or visit their website northumberlandhs.com
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
