Written, and photographs supplied by Judy Jooste
She was small and feisty, this little mini Dachshund with the ridge on her neck. When we met, she looked at me with her beautiful brown eyes, and I instantly knew I loved her.
She was also disabled and at a shelter I volunteered at. I immediately wanted to see how I could help her. While she was still at the shelter, I researched, phoned around and found her a wheelchair and a back brace. I was still only seeing her over weekends. She stole a lot of hearts at the shelter, because of her indomitable spirit.
A few months later, I lost my Dachsie, Gunther. To heal, I visited my favourite place – my second home – the animal shelter.
That day I didn’t go home alone. A little black Dachsie came with me, along with her playpen, wheelchair and back brace.
Home
Vespa was home.
I changed her name to Vesper, as she reminded me of Vesper Lind in the Bond films, and we started negotiating difficult waters together.
Upon arrival, Vesper was immediately the boss in our house of dogs. Nobody ever took her food and they knew she was the queen. She snuggled, ran, loved and kissed, and at night was lying next to me, sleeping soundly.
Our first outing was hilarious, as Miss Vesper didn’t wait for me to get the wheels out of the car – nope, she decided I was too slow and started scooting to the grass with me running behind her. She was fast, on and off her wheels. We went for lots of walks; it was one of all the dogs’ favourite pastimes and Vesper loved running.
We explored the world of canine disability together. We were trying numerous brands of nappies to get the one that fitted her perfectly, and we adapted “onesies” to keep her hind legs warm. We also found a swimming jacket that would keep her afloat, as she loved swimming.
We learnt to live through every obstacle; around it and over it. Some times were hard, especially when she had her second operation on her neck, but we were fine and we survived it all.
Vesper was a fighter and I wasn’t going to let her down either. I had to build ramps and walkways for her wheelchair – not that any obstacle ever could hinder her. If her front legs could get over it, you just saw ears flapping and Madam was on her way. She brought so much joy.
IVDD
By this time she’d already been paralysed for two years. She was diagnosed with IVDD (Inter-Vertebral Disk Disease) and had had unsuccessful surgery on her lower back. She was also receiving therapy in order to obtain and maintain muscle tone. Luckily, her second operation on her neck was a success.
Vesper never walked unassisted again.
Creating awareness
She started going with me to events and markets on her wheelchair, such as the Farmers Market in Pretoria. I realised that she was drawing a lot of attention and that many people were seeking advice from me. That’s why Vesper’s group on Facebook was created. I shared videos and pictures of her, advised on where to get wheels and help for disabled dogs, and especially, giving advice on how to live with a paralysed dog. Many owners were like me and didn’t want to put their animals down but rather find a way to help them live life to the fullest. Slowly, the Facebook page became bigger and more assistance was requested. Vesper was becoming well known for her spirit and tenacity.
Vesper knew she was a star. She was a diva of note and was one of the few dogs that didn’t mind dressing up to cover the nappy or to wear a hat when she started going blind. She always knew when we were going out and she’d loved all the attention.
At these events, she helped creating awareness of IVDD and, most importantly, taught people that there was HOPE. Because of her, I started an NPO called “Vesper on Wheels”, which helped many owners with obtaining wheelchairs and other modalities. I also mentored owners through the difficult first weeks after an injury.
She’d opened up a world of hope and opportunity for those who encountered her.
Vesper’s legacy is vast
At home, she kept me and her siblings on our toes.
She loved lying in the sun, swimming, catching flies and watching the birds. And when my disabled Beauty came to live with us, they had races on their wheels.
She always was her mommy’s baby.
The End
Eventually, my precious baby and I realised that ageing wasn’t being kind to us. Vesper didn’t want to go on her wheels anymore and would rather sleep in. I also had my struggles and it became evident that it was more difficult for me to juggle all the balls in the air. The decision was then made to close the NPO – after successful years of creating awareness and helping countless disabled animals – and both of us enjoyed our well-deserved retirement.
We went on holiday and, for the first time in a long time, Vesper ran on her wheels in the veld. She enjoyed every minute.
Vesper lived till the ripe old age of fifteen, of which ten were in a wheelchair.
She never stopped, she never sulked, she just lived life to the fullest.
On the 12th of November 2024, my girl passed away.
I’ve been owned by many animals, but there’s always “that one” that steals your soul and breaks your heart when they go.
There’s a bird bath on her grave in my garden, and I know Vesper would have loved that.
She was the bravest, sweetest little doggy I’ve ever known, and she also made me brave. She changed my life and world in so many ways.
I’ll always love my baby-cakes and I miss her dearly.
Vesper. Forever in my heart.
