I am continually surprised how the world of handicapped pets is becoming mainstream. A short time ago it was nearly impossible to find a single book about dogs with disabilities, but in the last 30 days there have been 3 new books released about life with a paralyzed pet. (Who would have guessed?)
Scooter and His Scoot Scoot is a children’s book, Honey Have You Squeezed the Dachshund helps dogs with IVDD and Wisdom Found in the Pause: Joie’s Gift is for pet parents who have lost a paraplegic dog.
If you live with a paralyzed dog, you should definitely check out each of these books.
Scooter and his Scoot Scoot by Annie Streit
This is a heartwarming story for children written as a poem. It is the true story about a dog who was born with a disability that made him different from other dogs. With assistance from his wheelchair Scooter finds out he can do just about everything this his friends can do, and sometimes he can do things they can’t.
Annie Streit is a longtime advocate for humans and pets with disabilities. In 2005 she became paralyzed after a diving accident. Her stories share a unique perspective about the obstacles of life in a wheelchair. Streit is donating $1.00 to Hamilton County Humane Society, Indiana for every book sold.
Scooter and his Scoot Scoot can be purchased online at Dorrance Publishing Co.
Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? by Kristin Leydig Bryant and Dr. Adam Christman DVM.
Dr. Christman is a veterinarian and self-proclaimed “dachsy-holic” who adopted a paralyzed two year-old dachshund named Cosmo. The dog severely injured his back while chasing a squirrel. Dr. Christman stepped up to the plate to become Cosmo’s caretaker when his owners felt they could not.
Dr. Christman co-authored this book to share straightforward answers with pet owners about life with a paralyzed dog. He realized how hearing that your dog might never walk again is terrifying news. The book uses humor, easy to understand language and lots of flow charts to guide pet owners. It helps them understand IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), how to minimize pain, how to choose a treatment plan, and how to provide follow up care. Co-author Kristin Leydig Bryant shares her years of experience as a foster mom with DREAM Dachshund Rescue.
The book is designed to help pet parents make clear decisions for their pet.
Check out Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? on Amazon.
Click here for the 10 Dog Breeds Prone to IVDD.
Wisdom Found in the Pause: Joie’s Gift by Barbara Techel
Barbara is an award-winning author who became an advocate for dogs with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) after her dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed. Together the duo visited more than 400 schools spreading the word that it is okay to be different. Today Barbara runs National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day to raise funds for dog wheelchairs.
Wisdom Found in the Pause is the story of another paralyzed dachshund named Joie who Barbara adopted. When Joie’s life was cut short Barbara was left without a path for the future. The book shares how this tragedy caused her to slow down so she could re-evaluate her purpose in life. It is the journey of how wisdom sometimes comes to us when we have paused. Joie continued to serve as Barbara’s guardian angel until she was ready to take the next step.
You can find Wisdom Found in the Pause on Amazon.

photo credit: konszvi On the internet nobody know you’re a dog via photopin (license)
Thanks for sharing the books.