PET HEROESSM
Going above and beyond... People and pets who make a difference
Classroom Mascot Gets New Lease on Life
Frisbee-chasing Caesar, a 4-year-old Beagle who wrestles
with Siberian Huskies and loves a good game of tug-of-war, was
no match for the pain that began seeping into his spine last November.
His bravado lasted through the winter when his strange behavior—no
more sniffing around the backyard or walking the fence’s
parameter for new sights and scents, and generally not wanting
to move much—was attributed to arthritis. A shot of prednisone
from his vet seemed to ease Caesar’s discomfort.
Throughout those months, Caesar’s owner William Lynk continued
to take Caesar with him to his 5th grade class at Howe Elementary
School several times a week. Lynk, a vocal music teacher in the
Detroit Public School District had found that not only did Caesar’s
presence provide smiles and laughter, but that Caesar could help
his students improve their reading skills. The children enjoyed
petting Caesar, but more importantly, they benefited from Caesar’s
non-judgmental and quiet listening as they read to him in a corner
of the room. Without having to worry about being ridiculed for
having to sound words out or being slow readers, the children
one-by-one would practice reading with Caesar every week. In addition,
Caesar had been the star of a school assembly where all the children
learned how to approach dogs and act appropriately around them.
But in April, Lynk found Caesar at home sitting slumped over,
wracked with spinal spasms. He wouldn’t eat and could barely
stand up. Feeling helpless and scared, Lynk took Caesar into his
primary care veterinarian. To help in determining the cause of
Caesar’s excruciating pain, Caesar’s veterinarian
recommended that Lynk take his furry friend to Michigan Veterinary
Specialists.
Examined by Dr. Pierre Bichsel, a veterinary neurologist and
in consultation with Dr. Andrew Jackson, a veterinary surgeon,
a diagnosis was made—common to Beagles, Caesar had a ruptured
disc in his neck and required surgery. Caesar underwent a two-hour
surgery on Friday and was back at home by Monday. With modifications
to his home routine such as elevated food and water bowls, taking
Caesar outside on a leash only, and not allowing him to jump into
his favorite chair by the window, Lynk was able to help Caesar
heal over time.
During his recuperation, the school children incessantly asked
about Caesar’s condition and sent him homemade “get
well” cards. Lynk used Caesar’s injury and recovery
as an opportunity to give the kids a science lesson about spinal
discs, stitches and surgery.
After months of taking life at a slower pace, Caesar now has
a new lease on life and is working to become a certified therapy
dog. He will be back in the classroom for the new school year
offering a listening ear, lots of sniffs and a furry head to pat
to all the children that pass his way.
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