Piddle Paddle, a young white wolf, was once named Mariah because she ran like the wind. Suddenly at age 2, in the blink of an eye, she was a paraplegic. Experts were baffled. They could offer no hope. The vet compassionately suggested we end her life – at best she could only drag herself around; we would have to diaper her (hence Piddle Paddle); give her intensive nursing care for life; there would be other problems. She was so young; had such a zest for life, we couldn’t bear her vibrant young life being unlived, and took her home. She went into a deep depression, lying unmoving on our bed, eyes dull. Paralysis is a horrible death sentence to a wild animal. Paralysis means no hope.
For nine days she lay, getting thinner and thinner, a white wraith fading away into nothingness. We begged her not to give up. We tried everything traditional and alternative medical could offer. We promised if she lived we would never give up until she could run again. We promised to make a special place where she could run free like the wind. We pictured it in our mind over and over, trying to get the message across to her – if you live you will run in green pastures, like the wind.
On the tenth day she began to take an interest in food and other things of wolfly interest. Two weeks later we thought we saw a tiny twitch in one of her hind legs. For two years she struggled against all odds with astounding will and determination. And now, though not exactly with grace anymore, she can run like the wind, with such a zest for life, in a special place we built for her …
One Comment
Earthfire’s Mission in Action by Pat Hager
What determination! She must have sensed your determination and hope for her. You folks must be like saviours for the animals–feeling such a special love for them as you do. I love wolves too and don’t know why I’m so drawn to them. I only have pictures of them. I’ve never really seen one. I love other animals too and can’t figure out why. Its not like I have wildlife training or anything. My daughter’s the one with the training. I think I needed something from them but I didn’t seek it. A program on tv about wolves immediately drew me to it–and I was hooked. I also watched this other program about these bear cubs with Brad Pitt in that one. I became hooked on the bears. Then on and on….I started watching animal shows and printing out animal pictures. I’d see things in them. I think I needed what I saw. I’ve always liked animals but lately these special feelings for them have taken over. I see our connection to them and theirs to us now. I see it more so now since I found this site. What a wonderful learning experience. This wolf is hugely inspiring and so utterly deserving of the 2nd chance to live that you gave her that no one else would. Even you folks who are the caregivers are inspiring……….
From Ontario, Canada
Comment by Anne Johnson — October 23, 2010 @ 8:36 am