10/15/2026
Sweet Penelope, where do we begin? Found in an orchard in Stockton, broken and searching for food, her rescuers couldn’t leave her behind. With coyotes and other dogs nearby and Penelope unable to fend for herself, they reached out to us. Of course, we couldn’t say no. Penelope was taken to UC Davis, where surgery was considered. Her back is severely fractured, almost broken in half. Repairing it would require major surgery with possible pins, but healing isn’t guaranteed. The risks include spinal cord damage, permanent paralysis, and life-threatening complications because of how close the injury is to her diaphragm. UC Davis and other emergency vets discussed euthanasia as a humane option because she might never walk again or regain bladder control. After carefully weighing the risks, we chose to give her a chance to heal with pain management and monitoring. Her fractured pelvis needs about 12 weeks to heal on its own. We’re also allowing her back time to heal before considering further intervention. If enough scar tissue and natural stabilization develop around her spinal injury, she may not need additional surgery and could potentially live comfortably with proper care and mobility support. And Penelope is already showing us she’s a fighter! She no longer needs her catheter or manual bladder expression and has started urinating and having bowel movements on her own! She loves toys, attention, food, and water. She can move both back legs but cannot stand because of her broken back and pelvis. Considering everything she’s endured, she’s doing remarkably well! Someone donated wheels, and we hope they’ll help her become more mobile when she’s ready. For now, she needs time to heal while we monitor her progress.
FOSTER NEEDED! If you have experience with paralyzed or mobility-challenged dogs, or can offer Penelope a safe, loving home, please contact Pack Lyfe Rescue. She’s currently in Hayward, CA. We want to give this brave girl every chance at a better life!
if anybody would like to donate towards your food, Supplies or Care and vetting, please use our website/PayPal or Zelle
