After running for months with two broken legs, “Chocolate,” a stray Chesapeake Bay retriever, was brought to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital from a clinic in the Kennewick, Washington. WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steve Martinez, performed several surgeries to help Chocolate regain the use of his injured front legs. When the bandages came off, Chocolate began physical therapy in a special, underwater treadmill that allows animals to use their limbs without bearing full weight. The treadmill, a gift to the college from two generous donors, makes it possible to begin the rehabilitation process earlier, which speeds recovery.
“We absolutely could not have done this without the underwater treadmill,” said Lori Lutskas, a licensed veterinary technician and WSU’s veterinary physical rehabilitation specialist. WSU was able to purchase the treadmill thanks to generous gifts by friends of the college. “This was critical in his recovery.”
Following his remarkable recovery four months after coming to WSU, Chocolate returned to Kennewick and now lives with a family who can care for his long-term, special needs.
Chocolate update
November 8, 2011
It has been more than 3 years since Chocolate first came to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2008. But when he returned in November 2011, no one had forgotten this very special dog. Everyone at the teaching hospital was happy to see him again and how well he’s doing today. And Chocolate seemed excited to see them, too!
Chocolate now lives with his owners Kurt and Sarah Weidner, who say he is thriving.
“Chocolate is doing great,” said Sarah. “He turned 5 this last summer and is happy and healthy. Chocolate fits in so well with our family.”
When he first came to live with them in July 2008, he wouldn’t venture into the whole yard. Today, he charges to the back fence and acts more like a puppy than ever before.
“Although he hates doing his exercises and lets you know,” said Sarah. “But he still does them without too much trouble. His favorite exercise is swimming. He loves the water.”
And he’s still a celebrity at home where he is often recognized by people on the street who want to pet him. They take Chocolate everywhere these days. He goes camping, fishing, boating and even on snowmobile trips.
“Where we go our puppies go with us,” said Kurt.
When they first got him, they asked themselves what they were getting themselves into. But there have been no problems, Chocolate and everyone else knows Chocolate’s limitations.
“We make accommodations for Chocolate in all we do and that works for all of us just fine,” said Sarah.
He still doesn’t use his right front paw to stand, but he does run and walk on it.
“We thank everyone at WSU for all that they did to restore Chocolate’s health so that he could become a member of our family,” said Sarah. “We just cannot imagine life without him.”