Paralyzed puppy that was abused by previous owners finds hope with physical therapist

Goldie and physical therapist Kyle Krupa. (Good Karma Pet Rescue)

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. ā€“ A South Florida physical therapist who typically works with humans in now nursing a paralyzed puppy back to health, who a pet rescue organization says was severely neglected and nearly starved to death by its previous owners.

According to Good Karma Pet Rescue, the dog named Goldie has a deformed spine and paralyzed legs, and an at-home amputation left her tail badly mutilated.

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ā€œGoldieā€™s veterinarians had never seen a case like it, and were limited in what help they could provide her,ā€ volunteer Deven Soto said. ā€œWe werenā€™t ready to give up.ā€

The organization took Goldie to Athletix Rehab and Recovery and she is now in the car of Kyle Krupa.

Goldie with physical therapist Kyle Krupa. (Good Karma Pet Rescue)

ā€œGoldie is suffering from a tremendous loss of bone mineral density, muscle atrophy and poor motor control of her hind legs,ā€ Krupa said.

The Deerfield Beach physical therapist is using modified techniques used for his human patients to help Goldie, including swim therapy and guided exercises.

ā€œOnce her hind legs are strong enough we can start encouraging her to walk more frequently with proper form, starting with a narrow box/tunnel, then having her observe and play with other dogs that she can mirror,ā€ Krupa said.

Goldie is currently being fostered by one of the pet rescue organizationā€™s volunteers, who is also a patient of Athletix Rehab and Recovery.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.