Darling Sophie

Five-month-old Sophie takes her first steps, after only 1 week of physical therapy to overcome her spinal injury.

Watch Sophie's first video: http://youtu.be/0QCaZI1kJhY

Sophie was abandoned at a local high-kill animal shelter and slated for immediate euthanasia because she couldn't walk. Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles saved her not a minute too soon. Our vets discovered a mass on her spine in the neck area. She has been undergoing physical therapy (including hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage, and laser therapy) to build her strength and coordination, and may also have surgery to remove the mass, if needed, depending on the prognosis.

We are so encouraged and excited to see her rapid progress, because prior to this, she wasn't able to even support her weight at all. We are hopeful that she will eventually regain the use of all 4 legs and run and play the way any puppy should. Please help us continue to give Sophie the love and support she needs to make a full recovery.

Donations for Sophie's medical treatment may be made at http://tinyurl.com/7urq5nk

Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles is a non profit 501(c)3, no kill rescue committed to saving all types of German Shepherd Dogs from high kill shelters and adopting them to loving, qualified homes. Sophie is just one of many dogs that Westside has saved.

Westside recently lost its major source of charitable funding, and is struggling to survive. We depend entirely on the donations of caring animal lovers like you. Please visit http://sheprescue.org/ to see how you can help.