Seb
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Seb at the time of rescue
Rescuers found Sebastian as a pup. He was dragging his two legs behind him and he was a pitiful sight to behold. X-rays revealed that an impact - probably from a car - had caused Seb to lose the use of his hind legs.
The pup could still poop and pee normally but serious discussions had immediately begun in the PAWS clinic. The main concern was - if Seb was in any pain - and if he could have a good life even with his disability.
A volunteer who was trying to be optimistic in the midst of all the sad and serious faces brought out a doggie toy and called out to Seb.
The puppy 'leaped' into a frenzy, going into an enthusiastic 'play' mode, running after the offered toy and shaking the toy vigorously once he caught it with his jaws.
The somber group stopped in the middle of their "to-euthanize-or-not-to-euthanize" meeting and looked at each other in disbelief.
Here was a pup who seemed oblivous to the fact that he was a paraplegic dog. He chased after the toy that was thrown for him again, and after shaking the toy for a few seconds, looked up eagerly - as if to say "Please throw the toy again for me!"
Seb was sunshine on two legs - this was apparent on his first day - and it seemed only fair that he be given a chance to find a loving home, just like the rest of the other 'normal' rescued dogs.
The rules that were laid out for volunteers were simple: do not let Seb 'run' outdoors especially on rough concrete flooring because he would surely scrape himself as he zoomed out into the open, running on two forelegs with abandon.
Eyes bright and always on an imaginary target ahead, the dog seemed to have absolutely no inkling that he was different from any other dog. Those who watched him likened him to a kangaroo, bouncing up and down in the thick bundles of cloth that volunteers wrapped him in before taking him for a 'walk'.
And so it was that Seb became an "indoor only" shelter dog. Even indoors, his 'diapers' unraveled quickly as he ran after every shelter volunteer in sight, trying to get a belly rub or two.
One day, as PAWS volunteers Sheila Frasco and Noel Trinchera played with the "special" pup who had now grown into a medium-sized dog, they decided to make him an improvised wheelchair.
Seb played through all the measurement and fittings done by Sheila and Noel in the succeeding weeks. He had become such a rambunctious dog that just holding him down and keeping him still was a challenge, but the determined pair persevered.
On April 2011, Sheila and Noel presented Seb with his improvised wheelchair.
See for yourself how this session went and witness how love and perseverance can make a difference in the life of a rescued dog. Click on the video clip below:
Seb wheeled straight into Tina Agbayani's heart.
Tina - a valued PAWS supporter - had adopted from the shelter before. She took one look at Seb who was already on his 8th month-stay at PARC and immediately asked, "Okay, when can I take him home?"
Seb is now the best friend and bedmate of Tina's son, Kiered
Everyday, PAWS rescues and rehabilitates dogs like Seb until they are ready to be put up for adoption.
Our life-saving work needs your support. Please donate. It will go a long way in helping homeless dogs and cats hoping for a second chance at a good life.
P 300 or US$ 7 (Staff & Volunteer Support)
will help sustain office and maintenance personnel that keep the shelter running
P 500 or US$ 12 (Utilities & Maintenance)
will help pay the rent, water, communication and electricity bills
P 1,000 or US$ 23 (Immediate Shelter Needs)
will help feed a shelter dog for one month or fully vaccinate a shelter dog or cat against diseases
P 3,000 or US$ 68 (Spay-Neuter Fund)
will help spay a female cat or dog preventing hundreds of unwanted kittens and puppies from being born
P 5,000 or US$ 113 (Medical Fund)
will help in the long-term veterinary treatment of an abused dog or cat, or any other animal in need of special care at our shelter