PULLMAN -- Chocolate had two days of practice and a weekend to rest, then on Monday he passed a big test in his physical therapy as the gutsy dog continues to recover from surgery on his crippled front legs.
The Chesapeake Bay retriever that has grabbed Tri-Citians' hearts spent Monday morning working in the Washington State University veterinary hospital's water treadmill in Pullman. But unlike on two previous days in the tank, this time he walked in the water and put weight on his front legs.
"I am very happy with his progress," said Lori Lutskas, the WSU veterinary technician who has been leading Chocolate's therapy. "He has been running around for so long by himself, so I am very happy with his progress. It is much better than it was last week."
Chocolate was taken to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital two weeks ago for treatment of his shattered legs, which likely were injured by being hit by a car. The dog was found in a rural area outside Pasco after somehow surviving on his own for about six months in spite of the awful injuries.
A Pasco woman finally picked Chocolate up and brought him home, even though she could not afford to keep him. After the Tri-City Herald did a story on the dog, there was an outpouring of donations that led to him being treated at WSU.
WSU Veterinary School spokesman Charlie Powell said he took the first call regarding Chocolate, and has watched his progression since going through surgery and onto the treadmill. Therapy could last up to a month.
On Monday, Chocolate spent about five minutes on the treadmill. Technicians raised the water level to his back to take off some of the weight, and he was able to use his front legs to walk.
Veterinarians have said the hardest part of the therapy will be to get Chocolate to use his front legs again. While injured, he learned to get around mostly on his hind legs.
Powell said Chocolate's front legs are healing well.
The trademark yellow nubby toy Chocolate has carried constantly was at his side the whole time Monday. "He has his ball and he seems to enjoy the water," Lutskas said.
Powell said Chocolate's case has swept through the hospital, not just because of the public support, but also for the training opportunity. Students and staff are caring for the dog and learning by treating the affectionate animal.
"No one is attracted to veterinary medicine that is not compassionate," Powell said. "Your heart has to be in it just as much as your mind."
Dealing with animals in need is common for the WSU hospital, and Chocolate isn't the only lovable pup in the hospital's care. WSU veterinarians also are working on a 9-year-old Lab from Monroe with a severe neck problem whose owner was not able to pay for care.
The hospital has a Good Samaritan fund to deal with animals in need. Because of donations in excess of $25,000, Chocolate's care mostly will be covered.
"It is always good to help an animal that's absolutely helpless like this," Powell said.
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