Kathryn Hartwig is a vet technician who specializes in rescuing special-needs neonatal puppies. When she saw Phelps she knew she wanted to try and help the puppy. He was born with Swimmer’s Syndrome and his legs were completely flexed backwards. The breeder of Phelps couldn’t give him the help he needed but they waited longer to get him help. Kathyrn usually gets puppies that are two weeks old. There were definitely challenges with helping him.
Initially, Phelps made progress but as he grew his weight started to work against him. They also learned he had luxating elbows adding even more challenge. They started seeing regression rather than progress and it was heartbreaking. But something in Kathryn’s heart told her they aren’t done trying. She said, “Whether it takes eight weeks or three years, we’re going to get this guy walking.”
Until then, Kathryn and her husband are giving Phelps the best quality of life they can.
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