Helping Timber Triumph

Hi, Our names are Wendy and Louise,

we are hoping to raise some funds to help us give Timber everything he needs to walk again.

Meet Timber, a very happy and determined puppy! Timber came to us as a young puppy without the proper use of his back legs. His back legs were spread wide apart in the splits position, flat on the floor. This absolutely broke our hearts! The breeder couldn’t afford to pay for his medical care. Pet insurance will not cover his needs and the vet suggested humane euthanasia. It was decided that giving him the best shot at living well was the very least he deserved, so Timber's breeder surrendered him to us, his Fosters. We had no idea what rescuing and rehabilitating this little guy was going to entail but we knew we had to try.

We have worked within the professional pet community for decades. We are experienced with Mastiffs and wheelchair pups and Wendy has worked with the Canadian Mastiff Club Rescue for nearly a decade. Armed with a University Degree, Louise has lengthy experience in Kinesiolgy and a full understanding of the miracles of physiotherapy and rehab. We are uniquely equipped to guide Timber’s way to successful mobility, if it can be achieved.

We got to work to have Timber evaluated and understand the task that lay ahead for all of us. X-rays revealed that his pelvis was shattered and his spine is twisted, causing partial paralysis, involuntary leg movement and incontinence. He was most likely accidentally stepped on by his Momma in the whelping box, when he was only weeks old. Even though his injuries are pronounced, our vet confirmed that surgery is not required, thankfully, and with correct healing and rehab, his prognosis is good, though not guaranteed.

We've set him up with everything a puppy would need: high quality large breed puppy food, a waterproof bed, toys, diapers, love, encouragement and our great skillset. We made a temporary sling to support Timber’s back legs so he could get out and explore the world. And explore the world he does! He wants to smell everything and meet every person and dog he sees. We all get a lot of exercise! LOL. Timber's determination gives us the motivation to do everything we can to help this little guy learn to walk.

Timber has started water physiotherapy at Gilmore Road Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ontario. It’s been just over a month now and he is showing major progress. We also got him a custom fit wheelchair from Niagara Canine Conditioning Centre. The wheelchair gives Timber some freedom and mobility so he can get around and be a normal puppy. Timber is growing very quickly, he was 24 lbs, at 10 weeks old, and he is now 55 lbs at 18 weeks. He is predicted to weigh between 160 to 180 lbs when fully grown.

We have set up this Go Fund Me page to help cover the costs of his needs. We have already spent just under $4000 on vet visits, assessment, his custom wheelchair, physiotherapy, a wagon, an x-large dog crate, x-large waterproof dog bed, proper supporting harness, food, toys, A LOT of disposable diapers, diaper cream, vaccinations and gas. Timber’s ongoing expenses include continued physiotherapy, progress visits with his veterinarian, neutering and a ton of disposable diapers.

Please know that every penny donated goes directly towards his care. We will post regular photos, videos and provide updates as we go. We can also provide receipts for everything spent on Timber’s care. We have a great community of professionals on his case and we appreciate their commitment and contributions to Timber’s prognosis going from good to great!

Timber is on an amazing path. Let’s get him to the finish line!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all donations no matter how small, every penny counts.

With love and appreciation from Timber and his Fosters, Wendy and Louise.