“These paws are made for walking!” is not an allusion to the sixties, but a mantra for our determined little Brook. Arriving in FBRN’s care paralyzed in the hind end, she has made a remarkable recovery. Thanks to a wonderful physical therapy team, the dedication of her foster mom and her own will, Brook has regained much of her mobility.

She still has a cute little waddle to her step, but continues to improve all the time. Brook’s can-do attitude and hard work doing her exercises has resulted in significant muscle mass increase in her thighs and abdomen in just over two months time. Even though her balance in the rear is not 100%, Brook wouldn’t believe it if you told her.
According to Brook’s foster mom, “Brookie would disagree with her doctor that there are some things she should not be doing. She is a go, go, go girl and sometimes needs reminding to take a break. She is absolutely determined and is persistent with other dogs. Any doggie pal should be easygoing and patient, as Brook does not take no for an answer. That being said, she responds well to direction from her people when her play escalates to a level her playmates may not be into and/or when she works herself up into a lot of snorkeling. She will push, but when asked to stop, she will. Brook is chock full of enthusiasm, good times and games."

Brook has a few doctors’ orders she must obey: no uncontrolled activity, which is to say, no stairs and no launching onto and off of the furniture. All of these things she is able to do, and will if given the opportunity. Baby gates are in place at her foster home as well as the leash securely attached before going out. All of her outings should be leashed. She is allowed to enjoy some on-leash running, which she loves and she can move! Brook can play with other dogs so long as things do not escalate to the level of rough housing. Until Brook is further away from her surgery date, the restrictions must be maintained to avoid any chance of a setback. In addition, Brook must continue her schedule of physical therapy exercises. It is quite likely that p.t. of some sort will be a lifetime commitment for the little cookie monster.

Although Brook does not have complete control, she is mostly able to take care of her potty needs on her own. With regularly scheduled walkies, she will empty all that needs emptying. Her foster mommy takes her out three times a day for five or ten minutes. Brook may have been taught that powder room necessities and walks go together, as going in the backyard doesn’t always cut the mustard. There is also the chance that she’ll tinkle away if she comes upon an exciting and new experience or smell. This can be avoided by making sure she’s “empty” beforehand. It also seems that wearing diapers stimulates her bladder and/or bowel. Because of this, a short leashed stroll before bedtime is a better choice for overnights than diapers. Brook is crate-trained and sleeps peacefully in her crate in her foster parent’s bedroom. She should never be given any ideas about jumping on the bed!

Sweet Brookie has never had any formal training that we know of. She definitely knows “sit”. She would probably really enjoy and excel in obedience training, as she will do anything for a cookie and is a real pleaser and a showoff. When asked to describe her personality, her foster mom replied, “Brook is very social and a delight to anyone that crosses her path. She is very easy to please and loves everything -- going for a walk, chowtime, squeaky toys, stuffies, Nylabones, riding in the car, meeting people and dogs, playing fetch, rolling over for a belly rub, hiding under the bed, sunbathing, tug-of-war, doing the army crawl across the carpet or through the grass, kisses, snuggling. Brook is a real attention hound, but will gladly share too. She is happy where the action is, or anywhere at all really. Brook is such a good girl. She really has no dislikes that we’ve come across. She is happy all of the time. Everyone that meets her walks away with a smile. She’s a real fun-loving stinker and everyone that knows her, loves her for it. She is an absolute delight.”

She goes on to say, “What kind of house or yard you have is not so important for Brook-Brook. She needs a family that understands and takes very seriously her ongoing care with regard to continued commitment to physical therapy as well as the doctor’s list of restrictions. Brook has really surprised a lot of people with her recovery after paralysis. We owe it to her to help her continue her forward journey without any unnecessary setback. She is physically able to do all of the things on her list of restrictions, but as she is still somewhat unstable with her back end, so taking any risk could result in a tumble and injury. This pledge to Brookie Cookie must be taken on by her new family. All family members should be responsible, so that Brook does not have to be. She loves people of all ages, but children should be over 10 so they can understand how to care for her and not play too roughly. She is too persistent to be safe around a cat."

During times when Brook is not being supervised by her people, she should be either crated or in the least, be put in an area where she is unable to defy her restrictions. Brook thinks she is a superhero and she will go against the ‘no-no list’ if she’s left to get away with it. This includes going overboard with her doggie pals. She should not be left to run amok with her buddies without supervision, or else Brook may well serve as ring leader in getting up to no good.

In her forever home, someone home all day would be nice for Brook, but not necessary as long as she gets her regularly scheduled walkies in, and her p.t. exercises done. It might be possible for her to thrill your officemates with her presence if her routine can be incorporated into your work day.

Brook is ready to step up and step out to her new forever home. A party in a frog suit, she is waiting to delight you. Bring your sugar cookies and open arms to Toronto, as our happy little expat will not be shipped.