Mickey, a 5-year-old paraplegic dog, had a special moment at a dog park in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. During a visit to the park, the dog was treated with kindness and affection by a caramel-colored stray dog who, despite not knowing him, included him in the game.
Owner Gabriela, who rescued Mickey in 2019, shared the moving story in an interview with the Amo Meu Pet portal after a video went viral on Tik Tok .
Mickey was found with his sister, Minnie, in a cardboard box near Gabriela’s school. They were both about two months old and frail.
In her sophomore year of high school, Gabriela became involved in animal welfare. Dogs that appeared near the school were rescued and cared for before being put up for adoption.
“So, I rescued animals, the dogs that arrived in the schoolyard, fed them, managed to find them homes, a guardian, and they were adopted. Mickey was also adopted through this project. It was called ” There’s a Doguinho no Pátio .” Minnie recovered quickly and was adopted. Mickey, on the other hand, went through difficult times and ended up developing canine neosporosis, a disease that left him paraplegic,” recalls Gabriela.
Despite the hardships, Mickey found comfort and love in Gabriela’s temporary home, which soon became permanent. He underwent various treatments, including physical therapy, to alleviate pain and improve his quality of life.
In January 2020, she received her first adapted wheelchair, made by Gabriela’s father from PVC pipes. Later, she received an adjustable chair, donated by a family in Santa Catarina who had a dog that she used but later died.
“It fit perfectly, it fit perfectly, we didn’t have to make any adjustments, and he still uses the car seat today,” said Gabriela.
Today, Mickey leads an active and affectionate life. He frequents dog parks and daycare centers, and maintains a well-adjusted routine, with mats scattered around the house to prevent injuries.
“He loves going for walks and interacting with other dogs. Even with his disability, I make a point of providing these experiences for him,” explains Gabriela.
A show of inclusion
The episode at the dog park illustrated Mickey’s joy. While playing with other dogs, the caramel-colored mutt noticed the puppy’s presence and approached. She demonstrated patience and care, interacting so that Mickey could join in the fun.
“It was beautiful to see. He can’t run, but he loves to sniff and be around other dogs. The puppy taught him to play, with little jumps and gentle bites,” explained the owner.
Gabriela emphasizes that adopting animals with special needs requires dedication, but is rewarding.
“Every animal is unique. It’s important to research, talk to veterinarians, and understand your pet’s needs. Mickey has adapted very well and is part of the family. He’s completely in control of his needs, loves going for walks, and expresses himself a lot through barking. He’s extremely happy,” he concluded.
Moments like the one Mickey experienced at the cchorródromo demonstrate that love and inclusion transform lives – both of animals and humans.
On social media, the owner shows that caring for a special animal isn’t rocket science and that everything can happen quite naturally. Special dogs can have a quality life and be happy when they receive the necessary care.
