Maria was pregnant, infested with fleas and unable to use her back legs. Her owners, who had been breeding her, gave her up when they learned the next delivery would require a costly operation. A Texas rescue took her in and gave her a second chance.
Abandoned Over a Bill
Maria’s story began in 2014. According to GodTube and iHeartDogs, her owners abandoned her when they found out her pregnancy would end with a $3,000 caesarean section. She was paralyzed from the hips down and was dragging her heavy body across the ground with her front legs.
Rescuers soon learned that her back problems had been there long before she became pregnant, which means she had been bred even though she could not use her hind legs.
Rescued by Friends of Emma
Friends of Emma Medical Rescue in Fort Worth, Texas, took Maria in. When they found her, she was severely anemic and covered in fleas and infections. The rescue also took in three older pups and the male dachshund believed to be the father.
At the rescue, Maria received veterinary care, rest and plenty of attention to help her learn to trust people again.
Seven Puppies and a Second Chance
Maria delivered seven healthy puppies while in the rescue’s care. As she nursed them, staff began physical therapy to help her recover. In time, she was able to walk again, a recovery GodTube described as miraculous.
According to an update posted by iHeartDogs, Maria and all seven of her puppies later found loving forever homes.
Why Dachshunds Need Extra Spine Care
Dachshunds’ long backs and short legs make them prone to spinal problems, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can lead to pain and paralysis if untreated. Early treatment gives dogs the best chance of recovery, so owners should watch for signs such as reluctance to jump, a hunched back or wobbly legs, and see a vet quickly if they appear.
Planning for a Dachshund’s Back: What It Costs
Maria’s rescue was driven by medical need, and cost played a big part in her abandonment. If you own or plan to adopt a dachshund, here is what to prepare for:
- Pet insurance. Compare pet insurance for dachshunds, since spinal disease is one of the most expensive conditions. Enroll early, as most plans exclude pre-existing conditions.
- Vet and surgery costs. IVDD surgery and MRI scans can cost thousands, so budget for emergency vet care.
- Mobility aids. A dog wheelchair, support harness or ramp can help dogs with weak hind legs.
- Comfort at home. An orthopedic dog bed eases pressure on a sensitive back.
- Rehabilitation. Canine physical therapy and hydrotherapy help dogs regain strength.
- Adopt, don’t shop. Dog adoption from a rescue gives dogs like Maria a place to go, and a donation to a medical rescue supports animals in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maria? A dachshund who was abandoned in 2014, pregnant and paralyzed, and rescued by Friends of Emma Medical Rescue in Fort Worth, Texas.
Why was she abandoned? Her owners reportedly gave her up when they learned the delivery would require a $3,000 caesarean section.
How many puppies did she have? Seven.
Did she walk again? Yes. After therapy and care, she was able to walk again.
What happened to Maria afterward? According to iHeartDogs, she and all seven puppies were adopted into forever homes.
Sources: GodTube and iHeartDogs.com, all covering the 2014 rescue of Maria, a paralyzed and pregnant dachshund, by Friends of Emma Medical Rescue in Fort Worth, Texas.
It breaks my heart to see any animal suffer
How could people be so cruel? Obviously only wanted the money 💰 for the puppies they thought they were going to get, regardless of what happened to their beautiful Dachshund. I just hope Karma doesn’t forget what they did to her. Hopefully the rest of her life will be with loving humans 😡
Find who live her! Lock him/her up and lose the key.