Your contribution helped Valerik overcome abuse and learn to ‘walk’ again
![Your contribution helped Valerik overcome abuse and learn to 'walk' again](https://news7g.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Heading-2024-09-11T160727.237-1-780x470.png)
What people did to Valerik is incomprehensible. They held this little boy hostage and abused him every day. Then they threw him out of someone’s house, leaving him hungry, dehydrated, scared, covered in wounds, bruises and scars, with a broken spine. He was found completely motionless and in a state of shock.
Valerik was only 3 years old and had to be admitted to the intensive care unit in a critical condition. He was rushed to the hospital, given blood transfusions and fluids.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/valerik4-e1726086018682.jpg)
After being stabilized, he was taken for surgery to repair his vertebrae. During the surgery, it was discovered that his spinal cord had been completely severed, which would significantly affect his mobility.
Despite the bleak news, hope remained strong, and Valerik received the best possible care and rehabilitation. Eventually, the vet transferred him to a boarding facility with a rehabilitation center known for working wonders for dogs with spinal cord injuries.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/valerik.jpg)
Valerik worked tirelessly with his rehabilitation team, going through sessions three to four times a day. The rigorous routine included evening exercises and massages, all aimed at helping him regain his strength. The focus was on building his lower back and pelvic muscles through exercises such as squats and acupuncture sessions, designed to help him develop the strength needed to lift himself up.
However, Valerik’s gait pattern remained a significant challenge. This gait pattern involves the coordinated and rhythmic movement of his legs as he attempts to walk. At the time, his legs did not move in the same coordinated manner as when walking, even with external stimuli. This was an important part of his recovery, as regaining this gait pattern was essential to his ability to walk again.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/valerik2.jpg)
The prognosis remains cautious due to Valerik’s spinal cord injury, but the fact that he is showing some response and participation in his lessons is a positive sign, suggesting that progress, albeit slow, is indeed possible. In the meantime, he is “walking”, playing and loving life with his new wheelchair.
Rehabilitation is never a quick or easy journey, especially for a dog who has survived years of abuse, but Valerik has made remarkable progress.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-759.png)
Your donations have helped Valerik get the support and intensive care he needs; thank you so much for your support!
If you would like to help other dogs in need, click here to see current fundraising.
What people did to Valerik is incomprehensible. They held this little boy hostage and abused him every day. Then they threw him out of someone’s house, leaving him hungry, dehydrated, scared, covered in wounds, bruises and scars, with a broken spine. He was found completely motionless and in a state of shock.
Valerik was only 3 years old and had to be admitted to the intensive care unit in a critical condition. He was rushed to the hospital, given blood transfusions and fluids.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/valerik4-e1726086018682.jpg)
After being stabilized, he was taken for surgery to repair his vertebrae. During the surgery, it was discovered that his spinal cord had been completely severed, which would significantly affect his mobility.
Despite the bleak news, hope remained strong, and Valerik received the best possible care and rehabilitation. Eventually, the vet transferred him to a boarding facility with a rehabilitation center known for working wonders for dogs with spinal cord injuries.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/valerik.jpg)
Valerik worked tirelessly with his rehabilitation team, going through sessions three to four times a day. The rigorous routine included evening exercises and massages, all aimed at helping him regain his strength. The focus was on building his lower back and pelvic muscles through exercises such as squats and acupuncture sessions, designed to help him develop the strength needed to lift himself up.
However, Valerik’s gait pattern remained a significant challenge. This gait pattern involves the coordinated and rhythmic movement of his legs as he attempts to walk. At the time, his legs did not move in the same coordinated manner as when walking, even with external stimuli. This was an important part of his recovery, as regaining this gait pattern was essential to his ability to walk again.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/valerik2.jpg)
The prognosis remains cautious due to Valerik’s spinal cord injury, but the fact that he is showing some response and participation in his lessons is a positive sign, suggesting that progress, albeit slow, is indeed possible. In the meantime, he is “walking”, playing and loving life with his new wheelchair.
Rehabilitation is never a quick or easy journey, especially for a dog who has survived years of abuse, but Valerik has made remarkable progress.
![](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-759.png)
Your donations have helped Valerik get the support and intensive care he needs; thank you so much for your support!
If you would like to help other dogs in need, click here to see current fundraising.