Reporter
carisa.lee@cnc3.co.tt
Two months ago, animal activist Wendy Ramirez was driving along Wendy Fitzwilliam Boulevard, Diego Martin, when she saw a man attempting to help an injured dog, so she stopped and assisted.
Upon further inspection, Ramirez realised that the dog, named Ralph, was seriously damaged, so she took him to a veterinary clinic in west Trinidad.
“It was determined that he had a severe spine injury resulting in paralysis of the hind legs,” K9 care provider Carey Annandsingh said.
Annandsingh said eight-year-old Ralph was down, but he was not out and started pulling himself forward with his front legs shortly after the accident.
Shortly after his injury, Ramirez noticed that he was happy to drag himself around. “He’s not letting that stop him; he wants to go,” she said.
Ralph has a drag bag, and two animal rescue non-governmental organisations–the Mustapha Project and Tardieu’s Kitten and Puppy Sanctuary–donated two wheelchairs.
“He has been living a full life now that he has his wheelchair. Now that he’s mobile, this lil guy is just having a good time. He’s totally awesome, and you will realise that once you see him on the go,” Annandsingh said.
But with over $10,000 already spent on Ralph’s care and limited space at clinics or shelters to house him, this determined mixed-breed dog needs a home. “Almost all rescue groups, almost all shelters, and sanctuaries are bursting at the seams; it means that in cases like Ralph, there is no option except to pay for boarding at a private facility,” she explained.
Annandsingh, who is also the founder of a small family animal rescue in Diego Martin, called Fairview Rescue, said that contributes significantly to some of the associated fees.
She described Ralph as “very strong-willed, happy, and easy to love.”
And added, “I think that is why Ralph has just created this aura around him, and he’s had so much interest.”
However, to care for Ralph, someone will have to regularly inspect any wounds that might form from his unique movements as some may require medical attention. His chair would need to be replaced, or at least parts of it would need to be changed ever so often.
“Other than that, he is a neutered, vaccinated dog that, just like all others, needs good food, water, shelter, as well as exercise, direction, and affection,” she said. Anyone willing to adopt Ralph can call Fairview Rescue at 734-6067 to be interviewed. Annandsingh sad she has “a very strict screening programme.”
Annandsingh called on owners to take personal responsibility and neuter or spay their pets, as well as keep them in an enclosed area and stay healthy.
