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Struggling to Survive

The stray dog hobbled along the roadside, trembling with exhaustion. Passersby glanced but hurried on.

He paused often, his eyes dull yet determined.

When someone finally knelt beside him, the dog lifted his head with a flicker of hope.

On the street, a frail dog inched forward, sides heaving with each labored breath, exhaustion weighing on him. Still, he pressed on, dragging his weary body.

Losing His Strength

Dragging himself with only his front legs, the exhausted dog paused often, trembling with effort.

Every inch was a battle, but he pressed on.

A stranger said that when they found him, his hind legs were motionless. The dog dragged himself forward with his front legs, exhausted.

Hospital Visit

We couldn’t leave the dog like that. We picked him up and took him to the nearest animal hospital, hoping they could help.

The doctor examined the dog’s spine and joints.

No injuries, but his hind leg paralysis might be neuritis.

Tiao Tiao’s Name

We promised Tiao Tiao to stand by him, ensuring his care and love, regardless of his ability to walk. He was family, and we wouldn’t abandon him.

We named him Tiao Tiao, reflecting energy and movement. Though his hind legs failed, his eyes showed resilience.

Escape to the Countryside

I took Tiao Tiao to the countryside for a peaceful rest, hoping the fresh air would help him feel at ease.

I arrived in the countryside with Tiao Tiao.

The air was fresh, the open space unlike the city where we’d found him.

He peered out cautiously, tense with uncertainty.

Adjusting to Change

The journey was long, but Tiao Tiao remained calm.

He sat quietly, gazing out as the scenery passed, never whining or fussing.

Despite his past, he seemed to trust he would be safe, sensing this trip was a new beginning.

Tiao Tiao peered from his cage, tense with uncertainty.

The unfamiliar surroundings made him wary.

The enclosure felt secure.

Fear of the Unknown

In the rural yard, the cage was Tiao Tiao’s only refuge.

It was small, enclosed—familiar in a vast world.

Freedom was near, but he hesitated, clinging to comfort.

Tiao Tiao remained calm.

Though fearful, he showed no distress, curled up in his cage, hesitant but accepting his surroundings.

Eating in Gulps

Tiao Tiao hadn’t eaten during the journey and was starving.

When I placed food in front of him, he devoured it.

Watching him, I felt a pang of sorrow—who knows how long he’d gone without a proper meal?

It broke my heart, but I felt relieved—at least he was eating.

Full of Energy

As Tiao Tiao adjusted, his timid nature faded.

He scooted across the courtyard, chasing me eagerly.

His hind legs dragged, but his spirit remained undimmed.

Despite injured hind legs, Tiao Tiao remained cheerful.

Each day, he greeted the world with a bright smile, his gentle nature evident.

Facing challenges, he carried himself with quiet resilience, never letting hardship diminish his warmth.

Caring for Him

Each evening after dinner, I placed Tiao Tiao onto the mobility scooter.

As we ventured outside, he followed closely, never straying.

Watching him adapt filled me with warmth, but this was only the beginning of our journey.

I was determined to find treatment for Tiao Tiao.

No Sensation

Ten days after taking in Tiao Tiao, I brought him to the hospital for a full examination.

As the doctor pressed his hind legs, there was no response.

‘This is going to be difficult,’ the doctor said. ‘Nerve issues affect more than mobility.’

I braced myself. I wasn’t giving up on Tiao Tiao.

We lifted Tiao Tiao onto the table, anticipation heavy.

The doctor examined his hind legs, searching for movement—nothing.

No reflex, no response. His legs were numb.

Worsening Wounds

The doctor worried about pressure sores if Tiao Tiao’s condition persisted.

Without feeling in his hind legs, he was prone to wounds that could worsen.

His backside was already worn, showing the impact of paralysis.

Preventing further damage would be challenging, but I was determined to help.

Tiao Tiao’s hindquarters were raw from dragging himself forward.

The doctor’s expression grew serious—his condition was permanent, requiring ongoing care.

Familiar Case

During the examination, Tiao Tiao couldn’t control his bladder. Despite his efforts, accidents happened often.

His eyes showed helplessness—he didn’t want this either.

The doctor noted nerve damage affecting his movement and basic functions.

In the examination room, the doctor recalled treating a dog with a condition similar to Tiao Tiao’s, highlighting the unpredictability of nerve-related injuries.

Awaiting Answers

The doctor examined Tiao Tiao, his hands moving along the dog’s frail spine.

“We don’t yet know if his lumbar spine is dislocated,” he said. “An X-ray will give us a clearer picture.”

I had hoped for more answers, but all we could do was wait.

Many questions remained unanswered.

Minimally Invasive Option

The doctor said not everything appears on an X-ray, especially nerve issues.

If Tiao Tiao’s paralysis was from severe nerve damage, treatment would be limited and recovery unsure.

Despite the uncertainty, I wouldn’t give up on him.

If Tiao Tiao’s herniation was severe, surgery was the only option—risky and expensive with no guarantees.

If not, acupuncture therapy was a slower alternative.

Difficult Decision

Surgery was costly and risky.

The complex procedure required a specialist, with no guaranteed success.

Putting Tiao Tiao through it was daunting, but without it, recovery was uncertain.

Every option had challenges, and I had to choose wisely.

Animal surgery requires precision due to delicate nerves.

Only trained specialists can perform these procedures, where even slight errors have serious consequences.

Healthcare Challenges

Scheduling an appointment with a doctor was nearly impossible.

Finding a qualified veterinarian for Tiao Tiao was expensive and challenging.

Animal neurology specialists were rare, with long waits and high fees.

Even routine check-ups were costly, and treatment risks made decisions difficult.

Still, I had to give Tiao Tiao the best chance at recovery.

Unexpected Reality

I told the doctor Tiao Tiao was urinating involuntarily daily. He nodded and said this was common for paralyzed animals.

After examining his legs, he confirmed there was no response.

‘His nerves are severely compressed,’ he said. ‘If his skin is breaking down, pressure sores will worsen without care.’

The doctor explained that paralyzed animals lose control, and Tiao Tiao’s legs had no reaction.

His nerves were severely compressed, making recovery uncertain.

Pressure Sores

The doctor told me that Tiao Tiao’s nerve compression caused incontinence and worsening pressure sores. If untreated, recovery would be harder. Caring for him required patience, but I was determined to help.

I understood that caring for him required patience and attention, but I was determined to help him recover.

X-Ray Findings

At the hospital, Tiao Tiao lay still on the examination table, his dark eyes scanning the room. As the doctor prodded his unresponsive legs, he neither whimpered nor struggled, patiently trusting those around him.

The doctor returned with the X-ray results, his expression unreadable. He motioned for me to come closer and pointed at the images, explaining Tiao Tiao’s condition. My heart pounded as I tried to absorb his words, bracing for the news.

Unexpected Diagnosis

During the examination, the doctor noted an unusual growth on Tiao Tiao’s waist, possibly a bone spur or hyperplasia. It had left his hind legs without sensation, complicating his condition.

Tiao Tiao’s hind legs were numb due to spinal nerve compression. The doctor pointed to the X-ray, explaining its severity. Tiao Tiao lay still, unaware of his condition. I refused to give up hope.

Trouble on the Table

As Tiao Tiao lay on the examination table, he lost control of his bladder. A small puddle formed beneath him, and his ears drooped. He glanced at me, confused and helpless. I stroked his head, hoping to reassure him.

Tiao Tiao’s eyes mirrored his helplessness. He didn’t want this any more than I did.

Weighing the Risks

The doctor outlined the risks of Tiao Tiao’s therapy, noting possible improvement but no guarantees. If no progress occurred after a few sessions, we could stop.

The doctor said if there was no improvement after a few sessions, we could stop treatment. It was reassuring to have options, but I still had hope. Tiao Tiao had shown resilience—I wasn’t ready to give up.

Calm and Composed

Tiao Tiao remained calm as the doctor examined him. He lay still, his eyes trusting. Even when the doctor checked his legs, he didn’t resist. The staff murmured about his composure, touched by his quiet dignity.

At the hospital, Tiao Tiao’s treatment focused on his hind legs and pressure sores from paralysis. Recovery was slow and uncertain. He remained gentle and patient, his trusting eyes fixed on mine.

A Tender Moment

With our limited budget, we chose the cautious acupuncture treatment for Tiao Tiao. It wasn’t the most advanced, but it was a chance.

As he rested his head against my hand, his eyes showed determination. If he had hope, so did I.

I crouched beside Tiao Tiao, watching as he played despite his injured legs. Then, to my surprise, he nuzzled my hand. Warmth spread through me. Saving him had been the right decision. No matter the journey ahead, neither of us would give up.

Preparing for Treatment

As Tiao Tiao nuzzled my hand, warmth filled my heart. His gesture of trust reassured me that saving him was right. Despite all he endured, his spirit remained unbroken.

The doctor shaved Tiao Tiao’s back for treatment. The dog remained still, watching with quiet trust. As fur fell away, I stroked his head. He nuzzled my hand, ready for what came next.

Show of Confidence

As Tiao Tiao pressed his nose against my hand, determination radiated from him. His eyes, full of trust, showed he hadn’t given up. If he believed he would stand again, I would do everything to help him.

Tiao Tiao’s eyes shone with determination. While we worried about his recovery, he carried a stronger hope. His gentle nuzzles and spirit made it clear—he believed he would stand again.

Tiao Tiao’s Struggles

Tiao Tiao had a gentle nature. Even with injuries, he remained calm and patient.

Unlike lively puppies that tug at clothes or demand attention, he simply rested his head against my hand, his eyes full of trust.

Tiao Tiao’s fragile body bore pressure sores from immobility. His fur became matted, his scent unpleasant, yet he never whined or sought pity. He simply gazed up with quiet trust.

Hidden Struggles

Though the scent of illness clung to his fur, Tiao Tiao never complained. He stayed quiet and patient, as if he understood his condition was beyond control.

Tiao Tiao stayed quiet, his eyes watching me. Even if he was in discomfort, he didn’t complain. Maybe he feared upsetting me or felt embarrassed needing care. To me, he was courageous.

Brave Little Fighter

The doctor administered the injections, ensuring Tiao Tiao received nourishment.

A steady hand placed the IV, allowing fluids to flow.

Tiao Tiao remained calm, trusting those helping him. Watching him endure, I felt determined to help.

Watching him, I felt renewed determination—he wasn’t ready to give up, and neither was I.

Praying for Luck

Tiao Tiao was gentle and trusting. Even facing uncertainty, he remained hopeful. I couldn’t take that away from him.

I wished for fate’s kindness and hope. Tiao Tiao deserved a full life, and I wouldn’t give up. Uncertainty wouldn’t stop me from fighting for his chance to stand.

Tiao Tiao’s Recovery

Tiao Tiao faced each obstacle with quiet determination.

Despite his injured legs, a spark of resilience and hope shone in his eyes.

Tiao Tiao’s journey wouldn’t be easy, but I refused to give up.

With patience, care, and the right treatments, he had a chance.