The Journey of a Thousand Miles...

Celebrating step one in Mr. Muffin's new K9 Cart.

Begins with a single step.  ~Lao Tzu

I will never forget the day my journey with Mr. Muffin began.  Our lives became forever entwined on July 23, 2017.  When you volunteer at a shelter, you lose your heart to a lot of special animals.  In the case of Mr. Muffin, it was not a loss of heart.  When I found him, or he found me,  it was like receiving a new heart.

Walking into the main kennel that day, I immediately noticed a highly animated Border collie mix scrambling around inside his enclosure.  When I asked about him, I learned that Mr. Muffin had been recently rescued from a particularly horrific hoarding situation.  It was easy to see the effects of terrible neglect.  This was a dog that could not walk.

From his straggly, dirty coat it appeared as though Mr. Muffin had never been bathed or groomed.  The conditions where he had been living were so bad the home was condemned and destroyed.  As I watched Mr. Muffin attempt to scoot around inside his kennel, dragging his back legs, I knew I had to do something to improve his quality of life.

Mr. Muffin at intake.  Photo credit: Aileen Peek

When I left the shelter that evening, still haunted by the look in Mr. Muffin's eyes, I immediately started searching for mobility solutions.  My research led me to K9 Carts. After sharing my quest to help Mr. Muffin on Facebook, I was able to acquire a cart for Mr. Muffin.  It was deeply moving to see how many compassionate individuals wanted to help this precious survivor finally have the opportunity to move from survival to thrivival mode.

While awaiting the arrival of Mr. Muffin's cart, I offered to be his rehabilitation foster.  I spent the next week gathering everything needed to provide for Mr. Muffin's care.  There is much to consider when dealing with a disabled animal.  At the same time, I visited him at the shelter to build trust.  Mr. Muffin was very timid, but thankfully, not shut down like most animals coming from his situation.  We bonded very quickly.  Even though he has difficulty walking, Mr. Muffin had his own version of a happy dance he performed each time I approached his kennel.  I couldn't wait to bring him home with me.

This is how we roll.

On July 31st, at 4:33 p.m., we rolled out of the shelter together.  I consider that day to be Mr. Muffin's rebirthday.  When I see how much he has changed over the short time since we first met, I am astonished. It's hard to believe this is the same dog.  I have discovered Mr. Muffin's inner puppy.  Though he is thought to be around five years old, Mr. Muffin frequently exhibits a pup's playful spirit.  Perhaps Mr. M. is just now having the puppyhood he never got to experience early in life.

I am launching this blog to chronicle Mr. Muffin's ongoing journey of transformation.  Truth be told, it will be me who changes the most.  The value is in sharing lessons learned.  And, I just know there will be much to celebrate.  I invite you to be a part of our joyful journey.  Please consider subscribing so you may take each step with us.  This trek won't be the same without you.