Dog Paralyzed After Hit-And-Run Wags His Tail Again With Support From New Family

Witnessing a dog joyfully wagging its tail always warms the heart, as it often signifies their happiness and satisfaction. Yet, when Ward, a canine companion, recently wagged his tail, it was a poignant testament to his remarkable journey of resilience and recovery.

In February, the McKamey Animal Center, nestled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, shared news of a courageous 6-year-old dog under their care. Discovered nestled beneath an abandoned vehicle, the canine was tragically paralyzed from the waist down, a somber reminder of a harrowing encounter with a moving vehicle, where he valiantly fought for survival.

McKamey Animal Center christened the dog Ward, noting his inability to move his legs, attend to nature’s call autonomously, or even express joy through a wag of his tail. Nevertheless, the staff found themselves deeply touched by the unwavering resilience displayed by this sweet-natured canine.

“His gentle disposition and affectionate gestures towards our team have revealed the true charm of this pup!” the shelter shared on their Facebook page. “Ward has shown remarkable progress during his brief stay with us. Although we’re still awaiting a definitive diagnosis, we’re confident in his indomitable spirit!”

A custom wheelchair was tailored for Ward, his prospects of walking again hanging in uncertainty. Nonetheless, the team observed him attempting to propel himself using his hind legs for the first time during a playful dash, prompting them to initiate physical therapy sessions in hopes of further improvement.

“It was as if he was striving to run using his rear legs, despite them being suspended in the wheelchair,” remarked Lauren Mann, the shelter’s director of advancement, in an interview with the Washington Post. “Despite his paralysis, he was growing stronger by the day.”

Ward benefited from complimentary hydrotherapy sessions offered by a nearby veterinary clinic, engaging in treadmill exercises submerged in a glass water tank.

In a subsequent update, the shelter reported Ward’s remarkable progress following numerous physical therapy sessions, noting his regained mobility as a testament to resilience and hope.

Furthermore, amidst the heartening developments, Ward found a forever home six months after his arrival at the shelter. Despite being overlooked for 180 days due to reservations about his paralysis, Kellyn Murphy and her husband, Matt Murphy, recognized Ward as their perfect canine companion.

“Upon laying eyes on him, I made it my mission to encourage his mobility and independence,” shared Kellyn, a dedicated physical therapy assistant, with the Post. “My days are devoted to aiding individuals in these tasks, and I was determined to extend that assistance to Ward.”

Even after Ward returned home with the Murphys, Kellyn persisted in guiding his physical therapy regimen, conducting daily therapeutic stretching sessions. As reported by the Washington Post, she ingeniously adapted a thrift store walker to facilitate his practice of standing upright.

Less than a fortnight following Ward’s relocation to his new abode, a remarkable event unfolded: he wagged his tail for the very first time!

Kellyn recounted to the Post, “It was a modest wag, just once, but undeniably a wag.” She expressed her belief that Ward’s tail wag stemmed from sheer happiness. “Since then, he’s wagged his tail at least five or six times, and I remain optimistic that this trend will persist as he continues to regain strength.”

Each passing day witnesses Ward’s progress, with Kellyn harboring aspirations of training him as a therapy dog for individuals grappling with mobility challenges.

To keep up with Ward’s journey to recovery, his new family has established an Instagram account, @ward_the_wunderdog.

We rejoice in Ward’s remarkable strides toward betterment, epitomized by the joyous wag of his tail! If you share our adoration for dogs, spread the word about this heartwarming tale!