Paralyzed Rescue Weim Walks Again

When Weimaraner Rescue of the South (WRS) plucked Cole from an animal shelter in Alabama, he seemed like many other dogs. But his extraordinary character came to light soon after he arrived at his foster home.

One evening, Cole suddenly collapsed and couldn’t move anything other than his front paws and head. His foster mom rushed him to the vet, where he was diagnosed with a spinal embolism and given a 10% chance of survival. Despite his paralysis, Cole seemed so happy to be with people and determined to get back on his feet. So WRS decided to support Cole and give him all the care he needed to recover.

WRS gave him a cart, and right away he was zoom-zooming around! But Cole wanted so badly to walk again on his own. WRS took Cole for physical therapy and acupuncture and after four treatments, Cole regained use of his back legs.

WRS threw a party for Cole and for the first time in weeks, he stepped out of the cart and unsteadily took his first steps. There was not a dry eye in the house! Cole was adopted by the WRS volunteer who had been caring for him. Over the next months, Cole got stronger and more coordinated. Now he can run around with his canine siblings—an achievement that makes us so proud!

Cole’s family adores him and describes him as a spunky boy who knows what he wants. They quote from Talladega Nights on Cole’s philosophy: “If you ain’t first, you're last.” He is the first out the door, the first in the door, and the first to claim his spot on his couch! Cole’s perseverance and triumph has been an inspiration, and has renewed our commitment to every dog that comes into our care.


Larissa Thomas
Lilburn, GA