Surrendered to us on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Oreo has been a part of our lives for 11 nights and 10 full days now. And as her primary caregiver this experience has been nothing short of transformative. Caring for this beautiful special needs dog has shown me that even in her challenging condition, she possesses an incredible zest for life. This vibrant spirit is what will guide her healing journey.
Having never had children, my animals have always filled that role in my heart. In caring for Oreo I’ve had to learn so much. From changing a doggy diaper to using baby wipes for clean-ups, and adjusting the walking sling that supports her during potty walks. It’s heartwarming to see how her front legs move with such enthusiasm when in the sling that I sometimes find myself jogging to keep up with her!
It saddens me that traditional vets labeled her as a “paralyzed” dog so early on in her young life, seemingly resigning her to that fate. They overlooked the intuitive understanding of the body’s natural healing abilities. Before Oreo joined us, I immersed myself in researching degenerative disc disease, spinal cord injuries, and holistic therapies that could help her recover. I spoke with numerous veterinarians—both traditional and holistic—about their experiences treating similar conditions. In my own life, many years ago, I had regenerated discs in my neck so I know that this type of healing is possible.
One mobile veterinarian chiropractor shared that Oreo’s healing potential is closely tied to the condition of her spinal cord. Is it still alive? Or has it been irreparably damaged? I remember a homeopathic veterinarian once told me, “As long as there’s life, there is hope.” In working closely with Oreo, I see that hope reflected in her eyes every day.
Understanding the Spinal Cord
In all vertebrates, the spinal cord acts as a vital column of nerve tissue that runs within each spinal vertebra, extending from the base of the skull down the back. It is protected by three layers of specialized tissues called meninges, that also help safeguard the brain, making up the central nervous system (CNS). The nerves of the spinal cord transmit critical messages between the brain and the body.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs when one or more discs—the cushy pads between vertebrae—become damaged or rupture. This can result in pressure on the spinal cord, impeding or halting the nervous system communication between the brain and the affected body parts.
Oreo’s Journey
Throughout my brief time with Oreo, I’ve noticed encouraging signs that her spinal cord is very much alive, especially in her lower back. During our potty walks, when I support her rear end in the sling to keep her toes from dragging on the ground, she instinctively pulls her legs into a normal squatting position to relieve herself. She wags her tail and can hold her urine as I prepare her for our potty walk. The sequence of potty walk prep consists of me carrying her outside, placing the sling across her chest, setting her down, lifting her hind end with the sling, quickly pulling the velcro flaps that hold her doggy diaper in place, removing it and then encouraging her to walk. Holding her urine for these several minutes demonstrates a complicated message exchange between her brain, spinal cord and bladder. And during her daily physical therapy when I massage her rear legs, I see responses in her muscles—all of these actions are a clear indication of life in her spinal cord.
During my research, before Oreo came to us, I discovered a foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injuries. This tiny, 17-pound dog has the potential to inspire and positively impact the lives of everyone that this foundation serves.
Helping Oreo regain the use of her rear legs is, and will be, an ongoing healing journey, and it requires the love and support of our compassionate Northern Nevada animal loving community.
Would you consider joining this remarkable mission as a volunteer? If so, please click here to learn more.
And if you can’t volunteer, you could even consider becoming a committed monthly donor. If everyone reading this post donated just $10 or $20 each month, we could significantly bolster the goals and programs of Emerald Ark, including Oreo’s recovery.
Miracles happen every day. I invite you to be a part of something greater than yourself.
Help us make Oreo’s miracle a reality. Join us in sharing Oreo’s healing journey with people living with spinal cord injuries.
Follow Oreo’s healing journey in our blog posts about her. LINK
Thank you for your kindness and support!
Leslie Moran
Founder and Executive Director Emerald Ark