Abused by his owner in Florida, Fabio has been given another chance at a normal life, thanks to the folks who rescued him. Fabio’s owner had reportedly cut off his hind feet so that he wouldn’t climb the chain link fence, leaving the Maltese dog unable to walk normally. According to Fox8 on March 16, Fabio traveled to New Orleans with Florida Poodle Rescue volunteer Joani Ellis, where he was to be fitted for prosthetic devices to replace his paws.
Fabio had been dropped off at a Miami animal shelter along with another Maltese, Lady, that is nearly blind from cataracts. Florida Poodle Rescue stepped in, and he is currently being fostered by Ellis.
Dr. Allison Barca, who is noted for making a prosthetic leg for a Shetland pony that was injured during Hurricane Katrina, also led the team who made Fabio’s new paws. Dr. Barca noted that Fabio was able to get around on his own without the artificial paws but it was uncomfortable, and because his hind end was lower than his front, a bit more difficult.
Outfitted with his new feet, 4-year-old Fabio is visiting Dag’s House for further rehabilitation, where he was also fitted for a doggie wheelchair to help him get around even better. Dag’s House is a canine daycare in Marrero, La. that also provides rehabilitation services to dogs in need of special care.
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