Golden Retriever Is a ‘Liberator’ for Disabled

A chain of events and kind people saved a tiny disabled puppy's life, and now she is "giving back" in a big way.

Liberty Bell, informally known as "Libby," is a two-year-old golden retriever owned by Ann Van Loan, executive director of Western Resources for dis-Abled Independence (WRDI), based in Rapid City, South Dakota, a disability advocacy and services organization ( www.wrdi.org ). Libby has been truly a "liberator," inspiring and encouraging persons with disabilities. She visits nursing homes, assisted living locations, and schools, among others. "She enjoys every minute of it," says Van Loan. When Libby visits schools, "she may have as many as ten to 15 little hands petting her at once. What a learning tool she is, we talk about disabilities and how this dog is no different from any other dog; even though she is missing paws in the front and uses her elbows to walk."

When she four weeks old, her original owner brought Libby to the Humane Society to be euthanized due to her forelimb congenital deformities [wrist disarticulation with radial hemimelia]. It was too late in the day for euthanizing, so a Humane Society employee took her home until the next morning when West Wind Veterinarian Services, Rapid City, was to perform spays and neuters.

However, when the veterinarian, Kris Trautman, saw the puppy, she wanted her, so in the nick of time Liberty's life was saved.

Later, Kris happened to be talking to Ann and told her about the puppy. A couple of months later, Ann asked Kris if she could have Libby.

Again, the timing was perfect.

"Kris was going to call Special Adoption for Golden Retrievers in Denver, Colorado, the very next morning to put Libby up for adoption with some criteria attached," says Ann. "Libby was to go to a good home that understood disabilities; she was to be a teaching tool and visit schools and nursing homes. I could not believe my ears and told her that we met every criteria."

Ann continues, "Libby has no idea that she has a disability. She does know that there are some things that she cannot do, but her ability to chase the turkeys, deer, and horses [at the Van Loans' ranch] has not diminished."

Now Libby has prostheses for her front legs made and fitted by Jason Jennings, CPO, of WestMed Rehab Inc., Rapid City. Says Jennings, "My original thoughts about the prosthetic management of Libby was simply to make 'shoes' to protect her elbows. I originally took measurements and tracings and carved models or lasts. This didn't work as I had planned, so I took impressions and made check sockets. At the check socket fitting, Ann asked if I could raise her up to normal height. I agreed to give it a try. My concerns were: how was she going to get up on the prostheses from the lying down position? Would she tolerate the socket pressure, stress, shear, and rotation associated with ambulation on the pylon? How would I align the socket on the pylon?"

At Libby's initial fitting, she stood and sat normally for the first time in her life. However, she needed assistance to walk. Says Jennings, "Libby will begin a home physical therapy program and be seen for follow-up just like any other patient. I hope she can be an inspiration to many more people as a prosthetic user. She truly is a 'liberator.

--Miki Fairley

Golden Retriever Is a ‘Liberator’ for Disabled

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Golden Retriever Is a ‘Liberator’ for Disabled

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WPI Receives Federal Funding for Biomedical Research Centers

WalkAide Receives CE Mark

WalkAide Receives CE Mark

O&P JOBS

Now Hiring: Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO)

ABC Certified Orthotic Fitter / Orthotic Assistant

HH Manager, Orthotics & Prosthetics

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