A rescue group based in the United States received a call about a dog coming from Iran. They knew she was paralyzed from a broken spine but they didn’t have a lot more info about her. The rescue group reached out to Tedi asking if she could foster Pani. She said yes but Tedi had no idea what she was in store for.
As soon as Pani arrived at her new foster home, Tedi noticed that she was very timid. She was cautious every moment of the day. She’d even sleep, or rest, with one eye open. She didn’t trust anyone or anything which made perfect sense since she spent her whole life on the streets.
As a stray, Pani had to fight for survival and it was difficult for her to understand that she was now safe. No matter what Tedi tried, Pani couldn’t relax. She was sleep-deprived as she fought to stay awake 24/7. As Tedi says in the video below, “She wanted to go to sleep and she wouldn’t let herself.”
But Tedi was nowhere near giving up on the sweet dog. She understood she had been through so much. She enrolled Pani in physical therapy which would help increase her mobility. Pani loved getting into the water where her limitations didn’t hold her back.
Pani was fitted for a wheelchair as well. She was able to run on a leash like a “normal” dog and that built up her confidence tremendously. Once she became an expert on her wheels, Pani never wanted to come in for walks. She loved it that much! Just look at that smile!
Despite all her accomplishments, Pani still struggled with sleeping. When a dog sleeps, he or she is most vulnerable and Pani understood that. Her foster mom tried her best to calm her but it would still take time and trust. Tedi explains that with baby steps, she was able to at least get Pani to lie by the foot of the bed and rest.
In time, Pani would make her way up to Tedi on the bed. And before long, she was right beside her asking to be pet. Tedi’s affection worked miracles on the nervous dog. It took three long months of persistence but Pani now sleeps comfortably on her back which is the most vulnerable position for a dog.
With all this effort, Tedi was petrified of what would happen next with Pani. Would her forever family be able to make her feel as safe so she could actually sleep? You have to see what follows in this terrific story. We are so grateful for rescue groups and fosters. Thank you for all you do every day for dogs in need!
