A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}

When we rescued Neal, our first wheaten Scottie, he was being surrendered because he had bit a child. Seems all was well with him until they had a child. Now Neal was afflicted with Cerebellar Abiotrophy. I eventually had him diagnosed by a researcher at Tufts and he was entered into a research study on the disorder. The best I can describe it is like MS. He slowly lost his mobility in his hindquarters. Not paralyzed, but gradually became immobile in his hind end. So, he was already manifesting this disorder when the child began to walk. They had two Scotties, the other could run away, but Neal couldn't. The best he could do was stumble, but he was a prime target for an active toddler. So, you guessed it, he fought back the only way he knew. But I'm glad he came into rescue because when the original "mother" who had insisted on "getting rid" of the dog had discovered his disorder, she would have had him put down. As it was, he had many more years of love, travel and companionship with our other Scottie. He died totally loved despite his disabilities. We took care of him even when he couldn't walk. He eventually had a stroke and quit eating entirely. RIP Neal.

People need to quit using their pets as entertainment for their children and get back to parenting.

Dale