Ted

When I first got Ted, he was unable to walk. Though he could urinate and defecate on his own, he was clearly in pain due to an infection in his joints that caused significant inflammation. His bones were wobbly, and the vet suspected he had Swimmer Syndrome—a developmental condition in puppies where the legs splay outward, making it difficult to stand or walk. Without early intervention, it can lead to muscle weakness, joint issues, and impaired mobility.

I fostered Ted for a short time before the Christmas break. While I was away, he went to a wonderful foster who worked hard on rehabilitating his legs. When I returned in January, I took Ted back into my care and was amazed by how much progress he had already made. He was stronger, more coordinated, and eager to keep improving.

One of his back legs had fused straight, making it impossible to bend, but that never slowed him down. With continued physical therapy and support, Ted kept getting better every day. Eventually, he was adopted by a kind SGU student, and his fused leg was later amputated to improve his comfort and mobility.

Through it all, Ted’s spirit never dimmed. He faced every challenge with determination, joy, and an unshakable will to thrive. He truly was the definition of resilience—and it was a gift to be part of his journey.