With the help of his human, one Austin canine uses social media to describe his day-to-day life as a “wheelie weenie” and support other dog owners facing similar challenges. Teddy, an 8-year-old dachshund, lost mobility in his rear legs about four years ago after being diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The condition is common in dachshunds because to their long spines, affecting 15-30% of the breed. His chronicles document his daily activities as a paraplegic dog, his recovery, and a now-viral video of his wiener dog race on wheels.
Teddy, The Dog:
Michelle Babb, Teddy’s owner, saw her dog moving more slowly and lethargically while spending a few days near Lake Travis in 2020. She assumed he was warm or suffering from heatstroke because it was July. She sought assistance from an emergency veterinarian, who advised her to observe him. Teddy’s condition worsened overnight as he became more agitated and started panting. Teddy refused to get up after she put him on the ground. That’s when it immediately shifted to ‘Oh my god, like, it’s a back injury,’ which is every dachshund owner’s worst fear and something that I had tried as much as possible to prevent,” Babb remembered.
Teddy’s Strange Disease:
Teddy had IVDD. The condition develops when a disk becomes misplaced and damages the dog’s nerve tissue. Babb brought Teddy to the vet and learnt that he required surgery as soon as possible. Teddy’s treatment includes acupuncture, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy—anything that might help him fully heal. Unfortunately, Teddy’s surgery came too late, and he did not improve despite months of effort. He became paralyzed in his lower body.
Babb claimed their turning point came when Teddy’s surgeon encouraged her to make his life as happy as possible despite his condition.One chat between Babb and Teddy’s veterinarian discussed euthanasia as an option for owners who are unable to physically, financially, mentally, or emotionally care for a disabled dog. However, the doctor assured Babb that Teddy was not in pain, which made her decision easier.
“I just had so many weeks and so many months of accepting my dog is different now, and how could I possibly move forward?” Babb stated. “I was very much in my own head about, you know, did I do the right choice?” Teddy currently utilizes a wheelchair while out and about, but he prefers to scoot around at home—zoomies and all. Apart from his paralysis, he is in good condition and has acclimated well to life on wheels. “He recovered from the injury faster than I did, if we’re talking mentally and emotionally,” she clarified.
“He remains capable of performing such things.”
Teddy’s social media presence allowed Babb to chronicle Teddy’s story with IVDD, healing, and life in a wheelchair, as well as connect with other sausage dog owners in similar situations. “What I’m trying to achieve with this account is showing people that yes, there are those beautiful stories like the weenie race that make your heart melt,” according to her. “But then it’s also I love to show you that every day with him, you know, not showing that it doesn’t always have to be about those big moments. “Babb considers his account a daily opportunity to show other pet parents what a dog’s life might be like after an accident. “It’s important to show that like he can still do these things,” she told me.