Meet Oliver, the most amazing dog I got to photograph, we did the session near his home in South Surrey. He does not go for long walks. Oliver got run over by the truck when he was a puppy, his spine was damaged and the owners were told that the best option is to put him down.. Oliver ended up in SPCA, few vet consultations and the same verdict..Finally there was a vet who would not give up and thought that Oliver deserves the chance. Oliver could not walk, had no control of his bowel movements. He drag his feet behind. The doctor from All Critters Animal Hospital decided to send Oliver for swimming therapy. After few months of walking on the tread mill under water at the K9H2o center Oliver was taking his first steps using all four legs on the ground.
Before I met Oliver I felt sorry for a poor dog, the photos I have seen he looked quite sad and hopeless. Well, do not feel sorry for Oliver! I really do not! He is such a strong dog and he has no idea that he is disabled in anyway. He falls a lot, cannot jump or sit. But it does not crumple his spirit. If you have a look at the photos below you will know what I mean. Confidence and strength all the way through.
Oliver is a mix, his new parents (he was adopted from SPCA after the accident) had his DNA tested and he the result shows him to have Shar Pei, Shiba Inu, Husky, Chow, Basset Hound and A German Pointer. Hard to believe that there is not a Sheppard in this mixture. Oliver is now about 3 years old.
As I said before Oliver is very special and he was a recipient of SPCA Courage Award in 2006. Here is the quote from SPCA website.
“Oliver”, Surrey Branch, Animal Courage Award.
Each year the BC SPCA honors an animal in its care who has exemplified the courage and resilience shown by the thousands of abused and neglected animals rescued by the SPCA each year. Oliver was struck by a truck on a busy street in Surrey earlier this year and has been unable to walk because of a crushed pelvis.
After four months of extensive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, this courageous dog has made miraculous progress and veterinarians predict he will make a full recovery. SOURCE
Now Oliver can run, walking on the sidewalk is quite challenging for him, he falls a lot, but on the grass he does just fine. Oliver is not different from any dog, that I met when it comes to the treats. Once he figured out that I am a great source of cookies he would not leave me alone.. Even not being able to jump, he managed to extend himself as far as possible and demanded more by quite a powerful bark.
He will not put on any weight, not matter how many biscuits he will have. That is just his nature – skinny
Oliver got an award for his progress, but I think people who gave him a chance deserve recognition. My hat off to his mommies Sheila and Leila, the vet who was willing to work with him and not give up; Kendal DeMeneche who let him use the facilities at K9H2O and all the people at SPCA who do not give up!
Oliver, you have taught me a lesson, seeing you so confident and so unaware of your so called “disability” really made me think about the fact that we restrain ourselves too much trying to fit into the perfect picture. Perfect picture is our creation and the photos of you are the way I saw you.
I do not feel sorry for you, and nobody should. I admire you. Thank you Oliver!
Oliver lives with Patrick and Benard that I photographed week earlier, if you want to see these guys on the beach click here.
