A much-loved Aberdeen dog is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to receiving some new wheels.
Alfie, aged seven, was born with a spinal deformity which has caused problems with his walking, necessitating “a lot of patience and attention” from his owner.
He first showed signs of the deformity at just three weeks old when Susan Linton noticed he was struggling to lift his hind legs and run around with his siblings.
She was advised by her vet to put Alfie to sleep to prevent prolonged pain, but Ms Linton refused and now, seven years later, her canine companion is happy and healthy at his home in Aberdeen with brother Buddy, mum Chloe and dad Clyde.
He started hydrotherapy at Fusion Vet Physio in Turriff in 2015 to help ease inflammation in his joints and muscles and he also receives acupuncture.
But in a more recent development, he has started to use “walking wheels” in the last month.
Ms Linton said: “He tried a set of walking wheels last year, but they just fell apart. The situation was so bad I thought we’d have to let him go.
“I’d carry him out of the car and he would just flop down and lie on the grass – he wasn’t happy. But I found him a set at a site called Dogs Wheels last month, and he absolutely loves them, he walks every day now.
“He’s still getting use to them, but he really has got his life back.
“We recently went to the beach which was amazing – I never thought I’d be able to take him there. I’m quite emotional at his progress.”
Ms Linton, who lives in Mastrick with her canine family, hopes that Alfie’s journey will encourage others to persevere with a pet with disabilities.
She said: “There are so many disabled pups who are being put to sleep when they can actually go on and live a normal life.
“Alfie is a lot of work especially because I’m on my own with the four dogs. He weighs over 40kg and it can be hard lifting him into his wheels.
“But I have so much love and devotion for him that it doesn’t bother me.”
Sharon Comrie, superintendent of the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centres, said: “The Scottish SPCA has a proud history of successfully rehoming dogs with disabilities such as blindness, deafness and limb amputation.
“It is great to see a dog with Alfie’s condition leading a happy life.
“Vets have an important part to play in caring for any disabled animal, but the most important thing is an owner with the time, love and dedication to meet the specific needs of such an animal.”
Ms Linton, who left her job in oil and gas to run Precious Paws Dog Grooming from her home, shares Alfie’s journey at www.facebook.com/Alfiespecialdog
Her son, Ryan, runs Precious Paws Dog Walking.
