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Sophie here! Welcome, everyone, to another pawtastic #WobblyWednesday interview! I hope you all have been enjoying these interviews as much I have been. I’ve gotten to make so many special furiends, and I’ve learned a lot in the process! Just in case you may have missed their initial introductions, here are the furiends I’ve shared with you so far:
Today I’d like to introduce you to another very special furiend of mine. |
Let’s give a Wobbly Welcome to…
Breed: German Shepherd x Husky
Favorite activity/toy/game: Spending time with
his momma, road trips and going on adventures
behind his house, and of course camping
Favorite food: Whatever mom is eating as
she likes to share, but what tops his list is
when his dad shares his steak
Special Feature: Canine Epilepsy
I came into the shelter (The Fort McMurray SPCA) as a stray from a reserve outside of Fort McMurray, AB. I was named Apollo. I was adopted out to a family and brought back because I was too awesome for them. I was waiting for a family who would take their time with me, teach me things, and understand that I have many issues (including a fear of men and being scared of kids) and would work on them with me. I just wanted a loving family that wouldn’t abandon me or bring me back because I was different. A guy and a girl came in a few times one week and kept coming to see me. I didn’t show them any love as I wanted them to pass my test. Apparently they didn’t care that I was playing hard to get, and they filled out an adoption application for me. In a few days, I became a part of their family. June 23, 2011 is the day that changed my life forever.
To represent my new beginning, I got a new name. I like it much better, and I think I look a lot more like a Rolo than an Apollo. For the first few months I stayed in the basement, as I was still quite scared and didn’t trust them yet. After a few months I came around and really attached myself to my mom, as I was still scared of men. With time, so much love, treats and patience, I had morphed into the amazing dog that I am today!! Do not ever give up on your pets – there are so many different resources out there to help you teach & train them. Consistency is key!
That is great advice, Rolo. My sister Sassy can attest to the same thing – that time, love, and patience can make a world of difference. I’m so happy that you found a family that would give you all that you needed to be the awesome dog that you are! One of the awesome things about you is your “special feature,” canine epilepsy. Can you tell us a little bit about how that affects your everyday life?
I don’t really think it affects my life as much as it does mom. It makes her very worried about me, and she always plans her day around my medication schedule. She doesn’t mind though, as she would do anything for me…I am her baby. If I do end up having a seizure, mom is always there to help me get through it and clean up after me. She also stays awake with me until morning, as they always happen at night time, as she likes to comfort me.
Well with my Canine Epilepsy medication, it leaves me with two side effects; weight gain & hind end weakness. I also am getting arthritis in my back hips (but that’s not from the medication). Mom and Dad go over and above taking care of me. In the kitchen they have a yoga mat for me, as that’s where I like to sit and eat my food, or watch Mom cook. The yoga mat allows me to get up with ease, as when I try on the plain hardwood I tend to do the splits and hurt myself. They also put socks with grippies on my back legs sometimes too. My family loves giving me yummy food to eat that will make me lose some weight. Mom even fundraised for a stroller for me for when my legs get sore, as we love to attend events, but I can’t walk for a long time. This way I can still enjoy everything!
I know exactly what you mean about the hardwood floors! I have that same problem of slipping and doing the splits. Thankfully most of our house is carpeted though. I think that stroller idea is pretty cool too. Nothing is going to stop you from enjoying your adventures, just like me! Are there any other ways that you need extra assistance?
Sometimes if my legs get sore I need some help getting up the stairs, so Mom grabs my bum and helps me. I do also have a harness that I wear sometimes too. As I’m not a great jumper, I also had a stool made by my Grandpa Cyril so that it’s easier for me to get into the SUV, as that’s a too big of a jump for me to make.
I’m not the best jumper either. We have a lot in common, Rolo! I think we would make great Wobbly Friends. Anyway, my mom says that I have something called cerebellar hypoplasia, but I don’t see how I’m any different from the other kitties in my home. Do you seem to know that you are “different,” or are you ever emotionally affected by your condition?
I don’t ever remember that I have seizures, but from what I hear they can be pretty terrifying. I’m happy I have loved ones to comfort me during them. I don’t think I am different; I just take medication, just like people take vitamins. If anything, Canine Epilepsy makes me more awesome because I can tell people about it and help them!
I feel the same way about my condition. My mom says that it adds to my charm, and being able to educate people about our conditions is so very pawesome and important!
Okay, so tell us about your personality – what makes you special?
I find myself a little interesting as I don’t like sitting on furniture, and I don’t like playing with toys. Something that makes me special – I have been featured in a lot of media; many magazines, a calendar, a book, I have my own lifestyle column in a local magazine, websites, been on shaw cable and so many other things. I love sharing my story and the bond that I have with my mom.
WOW! I didn’t realize I was in the presence of a celebrity. WAY cool! Thank you for all that you do to raise awareness, Rolo. You are one cool dude. Paw-five!
Now a question for Mom Kimberley: My mom says that I have been a huge blessing in her life, and I’m sure you feel the same way about Rolo. Can you share with us about the impact that Rolo has had on your life?
Rolo has been nothing but a blessing in my life; he has taught me many life lessons including being patient, consistent, and of course he has been a constant companion for me. Nothing brightens your day more than coming home to a wagging tail. No matter what mood I may be in, he always makes my day better.
What words of wisdom would you pass on to anyone who is considering adopting a special needs pet?
We are all the same. Some animals take more time to adapt or may have a different routine than others, but we all breathe, we all have hearts, we all have feelings, and we all can open up and love.
That couldn’t be more true. A very powerful statement. Anything else that you would like to add?
I want to thank you for taking the time to interview me! It means a lot to be able to spread awareness about my condition and my story. We can’t wait to participate in #WobblyWednesday. We will leave you with our favorite thing to say: “Adopt, Don’t Shop!”
Want to see more of the handsome Rolo? You can find him on:
His Website - Confessions of a Rescue Mom
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Sophie, we love your inspirational interviews. Rolo sounds like a very lovely dog and so lucky to have found a home with people who really understand him. And they are lucky to have such a brilliant doggy. The name Rolo suits him – he doesn’t look like an Apollo!
Until you started interviewing them, Sophie, I had no idea CH happened to dogs too! All these stories are so amazing.
Pawesome interview, Sophie!! We love reading about all of these special companions. And we love that these interviews are raising awareness about special needs.
Another great interview, Sophie. Humans who care for special needs pets are so pawsome. Thank you for sharing their stories.
This is a great inveterview, Sophie and Rolo! Rolo sounds such a wonderful woofie, and he has such a loving family who helps him fully flourish. Love the words of wisdom. Very touching and so true!
Sophie you are an inspiration yourself and we love your interviews.
Rolo, you are an amazing dog. So glad you have such a great great Mom who takes such good care of you. We really enjoyed this story. Have a great day.
Rolo, you are awesome and amazing! And we are SO glad you have such wonderful and loving mom. You make a great team, for sure. 🙂
Thank you, Sophie, for another terrific interview. You rock!
Hi Sophie and Rolo you are a most handsome woofie!!
You two were very lucky to find purrfect homes
Hugs madi your bfff
Rolo is such a sweetie, thanks for introducing us!!!
Gweat innewview. It’s nice to meet yous Rolo. Hope yous all have a pawsum day.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Thank you so much for featuring my boy, we really appreciate it for allowing us to spread awareness of Canine Epilepsy. <3
xoxo Kim & Rolo
dood…ewe iz one total lee rockin kewl pup, veree nice ta meet ewe…~~~waves…..many thousandz oh yeerz ago… de food serviss gurl hada bulldog who suffered frum epilepsy; her noes how scared yur mom can get…we R sorree stuff dinna werk out sew much at furst but in de end ewe getted de best mom & dad out ther…for sure…N tell yur dad ta share a trout with ewe sum time !!! YUM ~~ ♥♥♥
What a pleasure to be here and meet you. You are our kind of furriends. xox
Rolo is one cool dog. Thanks for introducing us to him, Sophie.
What a great interview. Long time ago our neighbors had a doggy that had seizures too.
Scary stuff, but they loved their pup fur long years! He was a beauty.
We enjoyed meeting Rolo and learning more about canine epilepsy. We think he’s very special in many ways!
This is a pawesome interview. We love reading about Rolo, and we think his message is an important one – have patience with a shelter pet when you bring them home. It’s worth it!
We never realized that woofies could have epilepsy. Thanks for introducing us to Rolo and telling his story. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
We think Rolo is so fortunate to have been adopted by his loving pawrents. Canine epilepsy is something Kimberly manages beautifully! We think she is pawsome and Rolo too 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo