Georgie

When Georgie first came into my care, there was genuine hope that he might regain function in his hind limbs. Early neurologic signs suggested improvement was possible, and while I was still in veterinary school in Grenada, I worked closely with my home hospital to create a treatment plan focused on steroid therapy and intensive at-home physical rehabilitation.

For three months, Georgie and I did daily physical therapy together—along with full nursing care, bladder management, and constant monitoring of his neurologic status. There were moments of optimism early on, but one thing was clear from the start: Georgie was never going to let his body slow his spirit.

To give him every possible chance, I flew Georgie to the United States for advanced care. While there, and before flying him back, we decided to get Georgie his first set of wheels. He was still growing at the time, but the moment they were fitted, it took him seconds to figure them out—and then he was gone. Zooming, flying, smiling. Nothing could stop him. His joy was unmatched, and his spirit was truly one of a kind.

While in the U.S., Georgie received advanced rehabilitation and neurologic care at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, where he underwent acupuncture, underwater treadmill therapy, and laser therapy, and was evaluated by a neurologist. The neurologist recommended an MRI to better understand the cause and prognosis of his paralysis.

The MRI was financially overwhelming, but giving up was never an option. I organized a GoFundMe campaign to advocate for Georgie and ensure he had access to the diagnostics he deserved. Thanks to incredible support, we were able to move forward.

Unfortunately, the MRI revealed that Georgie’s spinal cord was congenitally malformed and severely compressed. As he grew, the compression worsened, making recovery of hind limb function impossible. While devastating, the diagnosis gave us clarity and allowed us to shift our focus—from the hope of walking to strength, comfort, and quality of life.

Georgie continued physical therapy to maintain his core strength and independence, and as he matured, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital generously donated his second set of wheels, custom-fit for him as an adult. Watching him take off in them—once again—was everything. He wasn’t limited. He wasn’t fragile. He was just Georgie.

By the end of the summer, my goal was to find him a forever home that would love him without hesitation or conditions. That dream came true when an incredible family in Canada adopted him. I personally flew Georgie to Canada and met his new family, who already had another pothound adopted from Carriacou, Grenada’s sister island.

They are everything I could have ever hoped for. Georgie is adored, celebrated, and cared for endlessly. His disability has never defined him—he is simply a happy, confident dog with the best personality, living a full and beautiful life.

Georgie’s journey had a truly happy ending. And being part of his story—from hope, to heartbreak, to wheels, to joy—will always be one of the most meaningful chapters of my life and my veterinary path.