Chihuahua Therapy in Full Swing: On the Road to Recovery!

Dear Friends,

North Shore Animal League America would like to sincerely thank everyone for their love, support and concern for our little Chihuahua trio. We, along with Venus, Carmen and Pablo are very touched that you care so much and would like to give you an update as to how you are helping them.

Venus, Carmen and Pablo are in a foster care home with Donna Imhof, a senior technician from our medical center here at North Shore Animal League America. The pups are undergoing specialized physical therapy designed to strengthen their hind legs, as well as behavioral consultations to evaluate their temperaments and personalities.

In their physical therapy sessions, Venus, Carmen and Pablo work to improve their muscle tone through the use of tiny harnesses attached to a runner, similar to a child's walker. They can run around on their hind legs not having to bear their full weight until their legs are stronger. It's important that they do not bear full weight on their hind legs at this time in order to avoid orthopedic problems in the future. They are also receiving "water therapy," encouraging them to use their hind legs while in a supported, buoyant environment.

As we've mentioned before, the League is exploring the probable use of carts in the future, should the pups need them. Experts recommend that measurements not be taken until the pups are approximately eight months old, so that the carts do not have to be repeatedly changed as the puppies grow. So far, several companies have come forward offering their expertise in front-end carts, and we are working with them to create a special apparatus for our little Chihuahuas.

Our delightful Chihuahua babies are quite comfortable in their foster home and are in excellent spirits. As expected from sibling puppies, they all play and sleep huddled together in an adorable bundle. They are very happy.

It is the generosity of caring individuals like you that make it possible for us to care for these puppies and countless others so intricately. Thank you for all that you've done and for seeing beauty in imperfections. Venus, Carmen, Pablo and all of us at the League are so grateful and promise to keep you posted with future updates.

Won't you please help us give Venus, Carmen and Pablo the normal life they deserve? Your generous support is invaluable.

Sincerely,

North Shore Animal League America