Cooper's Story

We woke up on the morning of September 24, 2010, with the devastating sight of our dachshund, Cooper, who was then three years old, unable to walk. We brought him immediately to our local vet and they said within a minute without a doubt our dog was paralyzed and they could not help us, referring us to the University of Minnesota Veterinarian Hospital.

Being that our little guy is a dachshund this is something they find all too common. The discs in his back had ruptured and had been shoved into his nervous system, causing nerve blockage and passage through to his brain, not allowing him to walk. The U of M staff was very helpful & sympathetic, knowing how expensive the surgery was and the time and effort that would go into rehabilitating him would be, with only a 50/50 chance of him walking on his own again. With all the knowledge they gave us we just knew we had to give him a chance.

After three long days with him in their hospital (us visiting every day), four long months of a special diet (recommended by their dietician staff), and with at- home physical therapy they taught us I am happy to say he made an awesome recovery. He was walking and running on his own six months after surgery. And to this day, almost three years later, he is as happy and strong as can be. I’d say he is 85% back to normal; chasing critters, barking away and really strong.

I cannot thank the U of M enough for their kindness, work, and support to give us more years with our little Cooper. It’s been three wonderful years and I will fully support, promote, and stand by the work that the University of Minnesota Veterinarian’s Hospital does.

Thank you will never be enough.

Sincerely, Sarah & Cory