German shepherds, Rottweiler, Doberman, Golden and Boxers are just a few. Some of the smaller breeds are also susceptible to the disease, such as the Welsh Corgi.
The illness strikes dogs in their later years, 10 years and beyond. It is caused by a mutated gene that apparently remains latent until the later years of a dog. Some dogs with the gene never show any symptoms. Myelopathy sometimes also goes into remission.
Before his passing I had given Windsor the 'Lord Protector', named Tys. He is a strong brindle Boxer man whose job was to protect old man Windsor in his wheelchair.
In time Tys became a California state licensed service dog. He served with great distinction and honors despite his formerly unruly and unrefined behavior when he first came to us. His greatest challenge was to tame his overbearing desire to run and to play at any cost. He did.
Just about one year ago disaster struck. Tys began to lame on one leg, then crossed his legs while walking, bumbled along with an unsteady stride like a drunken sailor. Oh no, not again, was my first thought.
Well, the one thing I loathe so much about having an older dog happened: Tys developed myelopathy.
At first barely noticeable, then more and more obvious, Tys is now barely able to walk. He is putting up a tremendous fight never giving up, never stopping to attempt to get up and walk, always following me around (on his knees when necessary) as a true, dedicated service dog ought to do.
Tys is still full of life, with a sane mind and a fighting spirit matched by only a few, but he needs our help to give him a better chance of survival than good words and encouragement can do.
Right now he is receiving chiropractic treatments that help get him on his feet for brief periods of time. He is scheduled for physical therapy in the water or on an underwater treadmill.
He also will get a wheelchair to give him his daily chance of being a fun loving dog again that can sniff around freely and run and play with other dogs at will.
These treatments are all expensive. Therefore we have set up a Facebook page that is linked to a fund raising site. All for the benefit of Tys.
To learn more about Tys and how you can help him go here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tysons-Fight-Against-Myelopathy/1511396484005
And here:
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/5ViLc
And when you feel moved by Tys' courageous fight and by his desire to perform his duties as a service dog even under these most challenging circumstances you can just click on the donate button below and give Tys the gift of a more comfortable life.
All of us, Tys, his supporters and unnamed donors who have given so much over the past months thank you very, very much.
Can you really let a good looking Boxer man like this find an inglorious end?
PJJ
