Dog Found Shot, Paralyzed Makes Remarkable Recovery Thanks to Vet Physiotherapist

By Jessica Pineda

Back in October, a dog named Saint was found shot and tied to a tree, left for dead. He was in bad shape and paralyzed in the hind legs.

According to a Go Fund Me page, “It was later discovered that he had several pellets lodged in his spine that caused ruptured discs and neurological damage. Due to the efforts of animal control and the Sherriff's department of Parker County, Saint was rescued. Arlington, Texas residents Alan and Stacie Brown saw the story and stepped in to foster Saint and provide a loving home for him. Since then, Saint has been receiving free physical therapy from the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital of Arlington and has progressed tremendously.”

That’s thanks to the efforts of Steve Hooker, physiotherapist and lead technician for the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital. According to his bio, Hooker is a Certified Canine Physical Rehabilitation therapist (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee, and his special interests include rehabilitation and physiotherapy, neurodiagnostics and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

When he heard of Saint’s case, he immediately wanted to work with him. He got his wish too, as the Browns, Saint’s fosters-turned-owners, brought Saint to the hospital. Hooker refused payment to treat Saint, and started him on hydrotherapy. Since he started, Saint has made remarkable improvements. His owners hope one day he’ll be able to walk on his own too.

Inspired, Saint’s owners started a Go Fund Me page for the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital to help future animals that might need care like Saint did. The goal is to raise $10,000.