Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Seymour! 1. How did Seymour become paralyzed? It was a gradual process, the first sign was when we noticed he was dragging his back legs. We do know dachshunds, with their very long backs, are prone to back problems but there are many doxie's who never have them. It was not one episode or an accident with Seymour, it was a very slow onset. We know he ruptured discs in his back but we don't know how or why, specifically. To read more about disc problems with dachshunds, click here to learn more about, Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease. 2. Was it hard for him to get used to being in a K-9 Cart? No, he adapted very easily. His fun, spunky personality came roaring back when he got his K-9 Cart. He had been lying on a little bed for several weeks, because we were hoping he might regain his own ability to walk. We felt Seymour was not a good candidate for surgery and there are certainly no guarantees, if you choose to go that route.  He was so happy to be on the go again! It did not take him long at all to figure out how to get around in his cart. It took us a little longer to adjust the cart to fit him just right. 3. How does Seymour take care of "business?" Okay, we thought we had to bring up this indelicate subject because it is the #1 question, EVERYONE asks! Seymour can go to the bathroom right in his cart. He does not always have control when he goes, so we keep an eye on things and take him out often. 4. How do other dogs treat Seymour? That is an interesting question because we have observed, dogs definitely know there is something different about Seymour! Sometimes, they will go straight for his back and sniff, and sniff and sniff, right over where his discs are damaged. It's amazing to watch. 5. How long does Seymour stay in his K-9 Cart, at one time? He used to stay in his cart an hour or more but now, he is getting lots older and he only stays in his cart for short intervals then barks to lie down. He has lived in his cart for 6 years. He loves being in his cart, it's given him his life back! We never, ever leave him alone when he is in it. To be safe, you must always monitor your dog closely in a cart. 6. What do people say when they see Seymour in his cart? "Oh my gosh, that is sooo cute! What happened to him? I have heard about THOSE." 7. What other things do you do, to keep Seymour healthy? We have always made sure he never stays in one position too long. We keep several soft beds in different rooms, we position his body, when he is laying down by placing his little limbs in a "soft" flexion postion and keep everything in perfect alignment. We always keep him clean (easy to do because he is little) and we have made up our own "hydro" therapy in the bathtub. 8. Does it bother Seymour to be in the cart? He acts like it's the most normal thing in the world. Dogs obviously don't care if they are paralyzed. They just want to be loved and have your companionship. 9. Does Seymour really go to the Kleenex box and bring you a Kleenex , when you sneeze? YES! He won two blue ribbons for his "trick." He actually has done his special Kleenex feat time and time again, on stage! Dachshunds are not supposed to be trainable. Well, don't tell Seymour!  Click here to read about Seymour's Blue Ribbon!  10. What tips can you give others, about taking care of a dog with special challenges? Know that it will be a tremendous blessing to you, if you are lucky enough to help a physically challenged dog. Seymour has taught us so much, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be with him. He has a greater life now because he gets so much attention everywhere we go! It's so much fun to be with him. Adapt and improvise, and study your dog's responses to everything you do. Read everything you can but remember, every dog is unique and you must figure out what your special dog's needs are and come up with a plan that works. You can do it! Copyright © DogDisability.com  All rights reserved.