Disabled dogs dumped in Rio Rancho get new wheels

Two disabled dogs, then known as Bambi and Thumper, were found roaming streets in Rio Rancho in February. Now, they have a new way of getting around.

The two shepherd-mix dogs were brought to the Sandoval County Animal Shelter Feb. 2 and were then transferred to Cross My Paws.

Both dogs suffer from front leg deformities. Because the dogs were found in a largely healthy condition and their leg deformities would have made living as strays nearly impossible, county representatives say the dogs were likely dumped onto the streets by their previous owner.

They were found near King Boulevard and Ramparts Road and had no collars, tags or microchips.

What they do have now is new names, new foster parents and new wheels.

Dozer, formerly known as Bambi, and Kanga, fka Thumper, have been placed in foster care with Gabe Garwick and Amanda Lundberg as they await their surgeries.

“They are both so sweet,” Lani Nash, executive director and president at Cross my Paws, said. “And they are thriving with their foster.”

Dozer and Kanga are in need of multiple surgeries, but Nash said surgeons have said there’s no reason the dogs can’t live healthy, normal lives after the operations. Garwick said neither dog is in pain from the leg deformities.

“They’re both very sweet; they like to hang out outside in the grass. Kanga is a little more shy, but she’ll come out of the house on her own now,” Garwick said. “Dozer is also very sweet; she likes to give a lot of kisses. She’s faster than she looks. She's got some pretty good hops; she can hop up on the sofa pretty easily.”

Nash is still trying to figure out the best path to take regarding surgery for Dozer and Kanga.

But while the two dogs wait, they can now get around in style courtesy of Eddie's Wheels.

“Currently, we're teaching them how to walk in them. We're still adjusting Dozer's, but I think Kanga's are pretty close. Lots of treats are happening at our house,” Lundberg said. “We also have a surgical consultation with an orthopedic surgeon later this month — we've done a lot of (physical therapy), but especially Dozer's wrists and arms are never going to be straight even with all the stretching in the world. They are really a lot of fun. Dozer has fallen in love with my husband, and Kanga is coming out of her shell all the time.”

The surgeries are going to be expensive, and Cross My Paws is taking on the cost. The rescue is asking community members for assistance getting Dozer and Kanga the help they need; to donate to Cross My Paws, click here. Nash said to make a note that the donation is for Dozer and Kanga, which will send that money into a separate account.

“It’s always nice when the community can step up and help,” Nash said. “But we’ll pay whatever is needed to help these dogs.”

Once they have recovered, Dozer and Kanga will need a forever home. If you are interested in adopting Dozer and Kanga, reach out to Cross My Paws at 615-477-6217 or online.