Chalky the French Bulldog is a happy, playful dog who loves to play with his toys. A year ago, Chalky was diagnosed with a brain tumor that caused seizures and the loss of his back legs. With the seizures under control, Chalky’s family was heartbroken to watch him crawl across the floor and unable to play with his toys, but all that changed when he got his Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair. Chalky's mom shares his story in her own words:
Chalky's Diagnosis
Chalky was diagnosed with a tumor embedded deep inside the base of his brain near the hypothalamus over a year ago, since the drugs he has been taking help to control the seizures the side effect is the reduction in muscle mass & loss of the use of his hind legs. It was heartbreaking for us to see him crawl on the floor trying to move around just using his front paws. The wheels have improved his mobility to the point where he doesn't seem to notice at all that he has a disability and can actually walk by our side as before his illness.
I would be lying if I said it has been easy, but I can say it has been fulfilling. We have gotten to know and understand him better than we had before his illness. His dog wheelchair has given us more time to spend with Chalky. Even though he is only one part of our lives, we are his all. When we see the affection and determination in his face to live a full and happy life it gives us all the encouragement and motivation we need. Chalky has made us better people, more patient, understanding and considerate.
Chalky is One Playful Pup
Chalky has a cheerful disposition and always on the lookout for food and toys. He loves playing with people, some dogs and even gets a long with cats. He can easily be whipped up into a frenzy just by saying the names of his favorite toys let a lone playing with them. He loves playing fetch with any type of ball and sticks like most dogs, but he also loves to play with our vacuum cleaner and laser pointer!
A Lesson Learned from Chalky
Under the circumstances we have got to know and understand him better and spent more time with him than we may have done had he been totally healthy. Even though he is only one part of our lives, we are his entire life. The bond we have with Chalky is incredible. We believe that always bearing this in mind has made us better people, more patient, understanding and considerate.
