It saddens me to have to announce the devastating injury to one of my studs, and much beloved dog,  Blade. The injury occurred while in the care of his co-owners - while the details of how/why/what  happened have never been fully disclosed to me by them -  the result is still the same.  Blade was involved in an accident and was taken to Veterinary Emergency after sustaining  great injury to his face and back. I was notified that he had suffered a terrible accident and met them at the Emergency department, where it was determined that Blade had broken his back. He was completely paralyzed at the time of exam and admission.  A surgeon was called in, and the next day Blade underwent orthopedic surgery to repair the damage to his spine. Two metal rods were inserted to stabilize the region and to reduce pressure and inflammation on and around the spinal cord.

Post surgery, Blade quickly regained the use of his front half, though not his rear. Blade recuperated in hospital for 2 additional weeks before being transferred to an in-house Rehabilitation Centre outside of the city, where he remained full time for another 7 weeks of daily care and intensive physical therapy.  Blade continued to heal slowly and to regain sensation in his rear legs and tail, eventually gaining a hint of movement below the point of fracture to his spine. With the use of a Wheel Cart, generously donated by caring clients, Blade  was once again able to get around on his own and his spirits improved dramatically. When it became apparent that Blade would need more therapy and assistance physically and financially in his recovery; his co-owners, who allowed this to happen, decided that they did not want him back and walked away.

Blade was then taken into the home of a dear friend of mine who has selflessly donated his time and expertise in physical therapy to continue the  extensive care, treatment, and exercise routines that Blade requires multiple times per day.  In addition, other good friends also continue to assist when needed. For that I am eternally grateful to you all. 

Up until this point, Blade has been continuing his swim therapy several times per week, where he has made exceptional progress - recovering faster than was predicted or expected.  He can now stand on his own again, move both rear legs, and effectively walk with correct movement and foot fall while in the water.  Blade's Wheel Cart has now been converted to a walker that assists his balance as he learns to walk again on land.  Unfortunately, I am at my financial end in my ability to continue his much needed therapy and treatments on my own. Blade's medical care and rehabilitation costs have now exceeded $30,000.  More therapy is required to assist him in  achieiving a full recovery, which we are fully committed to providing.

I want to a take minute to tell you about this amazing dog. Blade is the complete package of everything a Belgian Malinois should be: a true rarity in today's breeding world. He has an exceptional temperament, coupled with high drive and true working ability, an out-going confident personality, excellent structure, deep pigment and full mask - with an even, balanced forward reaching gait to boot.  All high qualities of great importance that he  passes on to his pups. Blade achieved his American Championship in ONE weekend with 3, 5pt major wins: no small feat. He was awarded his Canine Good Neighbour certificate, while being tested during a severe thunderstorm at a local conformation show.  Blade was completely un-phased by the wind, heavy rain or loud thunder; even while being left alone in a Down Stay under a canopy that barely looked like it would hold up in the storm.   He has taken his injury in stride, and works extremely hard to get better - never complaining, lashing out or resisting any of the many unpleasant things that we must do to ensure his full recovery and rehabilitation. It breaks my heart in so many ways - but I refuse to give up on this once in a lifetime dog. To lose such an exceptional animal, valued stud dog,  and good friend, would be too devastating.  Blade's endearing character and exceptional temperament has been an asset in his recovery and treatment. We are so close to restoring him to the physical state he deserves to be.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Jennifer

UPDATE Aug 2010

Thank you to those that generously donated what you could, and for the time and other offers of help that came in once we released the news of Blade's accident. Blade is now out of his wheel cart and can walk and even lift his leg to pee once again.  We are still working with him on muscle building, balance and coordination exercises and he continues to improve weekly.  Blade has been retired from breeding and is now in a loving forever pet home.
Jennifer