Paralysed pooch Denzel rolls into a better life thanks to Rocky’s K9 Rescue

ONE wheelchair-bound dog might be more than a handful for most people, but not Debra Moodie, who has opened her home up to a second disabled pet.

Denzel's new home

ONE wheelchair-bound dog might be more than a handful for most people, but not dog-lover Debra Moodie.

She’s now got two dogs with “wheels” after rescuing handicapped pooch Denzel, who needed a new home after being cared for by volunteers at Canley Vale’s Rocky’s K9 Rescue.

When Ms Moodie saw a social media plea go out last month for a kind-hearted stranger to adopt stafforshire cross Denzel, she couldn’t resist.

“I knew I could give him a good home and I knew what I was in for,” Ms Moodie said.

“You don’t experience everything in life by taking the easy road all the time. That teaches you nothing.”

Saagar Narsey helped care for Denzel before his adoption.

Fairfield Advance readers opened their hearts after hearing the plight of Denzel, 2, last year and sent cash to the dog charity to help pay for his medical care. A spinal tumour is believed to have caused paralysis of his hind legs.

Denzel now has a new friend — Sambo, a kelpie cross — and the two canines play together in the garden and pool on Ms Moodie’s acreage at Windsor Downs.

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Sambo, 11, suffered a freak accident playing in the backyard five years ago, twisting in midair and rupturing a disc. He was rushed to the vet and Ms Moodie was told he should be put down.

“I said ‘no, I’m taking him home’,” she said.

“Dogs are not handbags, you don’t just throw them out.”

She researched options on the internet, and discovered adjustable dog wheelchairs from the US.

Now Sambo enjoys chasing tennis balls around the backyard.

Rocky's K9 Rescue is managed by Merna Karam, who is pictured with another happy pooch.

Denzel’s fitness has improved since moving to his new home, with his stamina growing daily in the swimming pool.

Caring for the dogs, taking them in and out of the harness and allowing them time in the pool is a lot of work, but Ms Moodie’s parents, husband and sister-in-law all help.

“Sambo knows Denzel is the same as him, it’s quite funny,” she said.

“They watch each other when they wait to go outside — they definitely know they are both in a wheelchair.

“I think I’m lucky to have them.

“They give me unconditional love — how can you turn your back on that?”

LEND A HAND TO FURRY FRIENDS

Rocky’s  K9 Rescue, at Canley Vale, still needs donations for its ongoing work saving dogs and cats from death row and neglectful owners.

People wanting to help the not-for-profit organisation which is run by volunteers, through adoptions, foster care or donations, are invited to visit the website at rockysk9rescue.org.au.