12/05/2026
Charlie DeCamp DVM(past head of Ortho at MSU Vet School) evaluated Ike. He said surgery would risk the mobility Ike had and did not recommend it. MSU offered a surgery which would shorten his femurs to accommodate the underdeveloped muscle/tendon that would need to be attached to a newly constructed joint-also risking current mobility. Surgery is irreversible with a lot to consider. Because it works for one, does not mean another dog will get the same results. I then took Ike to a rehab DVM, ordered a custom made cart by Eddie’s Wheels, which Ike refused. At that point, I pulled back. Ike survived to DMT in China. I brought him home to feel free and safe,not be fearful or confined. I also was not going to physically force him into it when food didn’t entice him! I needed to find options HE welcomed. We need to listen to our dogs, not push our agenda on them, thinking we know best. We must also consider their psychological state. I started taking him to a DVM for Chiropractic and Dr Jenna in NY for stem cell therapy to slow degeneration/arthritis. Acupuncture didn’t help, but PEMT does. Those vets and mine of 30 years, all agree that it’s not in Ike’s best interest to use wheels. We use the above modalities, supplement regimen and Dr Jenna taught me how to massage him twice a day to increase blood flow to the joints. Ike needs to walk to maintain his muscle tone- he is not paralyzed. In the last video, the leash is loose; I am walking quickly to match his pace. Some days he refuses a walk, other times he may walk a block or less and turn to go home or to the car. On good days, he RUNS. But I listen to him. I’m supposed to stop him from doing what his breed does and enjoys? Make him do it from a cart because I fear his joints will hurt in the future? We need to examine our own thinking/motives. Are we uncomfortable with the disability? Do we feel a need to fix that they may not welcome? Many dogs welcome and benefit from wheels; I think they are great. They just aren’t for Ike. Dogs live in the moment. I want every moment to be how he wants to live… 🐾💗🐾
