Look Beyond My Disability: Meet Annie
Two years ago, a one-year-old Annie found herself in a pound with one of her litter mates. At that time Dianne was looking for a new fur-mate. Dianne’s friend who was working at the pound told her about these two dogs. She also told Dianne that one of the dogs was a little different.
It turned out that Annie had Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed. The cerebellum makes up a large part of the brain. Some symptoms of CH are head bobbing, unsteadiness, falling and flipping over, which Annie had all. Currently there’s no treatment for Cerebellar Hypoplasia.
In the beginning Annie couldn’t walk in a straight line as if she was permanently drunk. She couldn’t climb stairs or eat from her bowl, and she would snap at anyone who touched her. Annie was fostered for a month before Dianne adopted her.
The first thing Dianne did was to take Annie to Dogs in Motion Canine Rehabilitation. She started to have plenty of exercises, 3 times a day, which gradually improved her condition. Annie also started swimming. She’s a very proud member of Woof Swim Team. Annie has been swimming once a week, up to 6 laps each session for 18 months, and the improvement she’s shown is absolutely amazing!
Annie has taken to training, enjoying everything she does. Her recall is never a straight line, but who cares, she responds beautifully. Annie inspires everyone she meets with her wobbly walk, head bobbing and her beautiful nature. Life with Annie in it has brought Dianne and her family so much joy, smiles and a truck load of laughs.
Life is more interesting and fulfilling when you don’t lead it in a straight line… Annie shows Dianne just that!
Thank you Dianne for sharing Annie’s beautiful story. Say hello to Annie and follow her escapades at Adventures of Little Annie – A Dog Born With Cerebellar Hypoplasia.
Annie images and video courtesy of Dianne Button
