Sparky shares the joy of special needs pets

Fallbrook has an unlikely canine celebrity in its midst, a three-year-old Chihuahua who was showcased on the second annual "All Star Dog Rescue Celebration" on the Fox network on Thanksgiving Day. [The show can be viewed at www.fox.com.] Although Sparky already has a "forever" home, he was such a big hit on last year's show he was invited to return.

Sparky was rescued in the Sacramento area in February 2014 before appearing on the inaugural dog rescue special (called "Cause for Paws" at that time). That was when Fallbrook resident Vera Lauren first fell in love with the special needs dog with a wheelchair. Sparky had been shot three times by two 23-year-olds who used him for target practice but escaped punishment on a legal technicality, Lauren said. Meanwhile, Sparky still has a bullet in him too close to the spine to be removed.

After the shooting, Sparky’s owner no longer wanted the dog whose hind end was left paralyzed. So, Sparky was found wandering the streets, dragging his rear legs behind him. He was taken in by Open Arms Rescue which rescues sick, injured and difficult-to-adopt dogs that require surgeries and rehabilitation.

According to Lauren, Open Arms founder Jenny Armour is from Fallbrook and often partners with SSNAAPE (Senior Special Needs Animal Assistance Project Endeavor). Through SSNAAPE, Sparky found a home with Lauren and her husband, Walt. Over the years, the couple has taken in several special needs dogs who others consider unadoptable.

Lauren, explained that special needs animals in shelters are usually the first euthanized and rarely adopted. "Since Sparky has opened so many hearts we decided to turn this energy around and benefit other handicapped animals. Our goal is to enlighten folks on the viability of these furry companions and to showcase how rewarding the experience is for everyone."

Sparky wears diapers and must be expressed, Lauren explained, "this is crucial to be done throughout the day or Sparky can get infections or die of renal failure. He does enjoy running with the aid of his wheel chair, but it is limiting because it does not allow him flexibility and yes, it is sad to see him in his drag bag, but his happy spirit is a reminder to us to live in the moment."

(A drag bag is a protective garment, like a pillow sack; so his sensitive skin won’t bleed as he drags his body on carpet, flooring, sidewalks, grass, etc.)

She added, "I know he appreciates his new forever family and Sparky fit in immediately; a tribute to our other dogs that are very accepting and loving. From day one, they shared their toys and snuggled Sparky and it brought me to tears."

Before moving to Fallbrook, Lauren worked in hospice home care in San Francisco for almost 10 years and her dogs volunteered as well. She said, "Now Sparky and some of my other dogs are also involved in charity work and available for 'appearances'.”

As for their appearance on the "All Star Dog Rescue Celebration", Lauren said, "The energy at the taping of the show was both surreal and humbling. Being in a studio filled with dogs and animal lovers is a rare experience indeed and not to be taken lightly. My husband, Walt, and I felt as though we were marinating in love and for that we are grateful; as well as for the national platform to spread the word about the joy of loving a special needs furry companion."

For more information about Sparky, email [email protected].