International effort saves husky with no rear legs

By Rose Hooper

With so much concentration on countries at war, here's a relief story that shows what can happen when people from all over the world work together to make good things happen.

It's a story of Triumph, in more ways than one.

Triumph is the name of a Siberian Husky found alone and helpless along the side of a country road in Adana, Turkey. Her back legs had been cut off.

Some caring individual, recognizing the spirit and determination to survive in Triumph's piercing blue eyes, tenderly scooped her up and drove her to the nearest animal shelter.

There the husky met Renin and Armagan, who cleaned her up and nursed her back to health. Friends who knew of the Siberian Rescue Group got busy on the Internet searching worldwide for someone to rescue and permanently care for Triumph.

That's when Coral from Pennsylvania, Belinda from Maryland and Marion "Moe" Moeller from Tennessee connected via cyberspace to bring Triumph to the United States.

"I take dogs in dire need and who are usually due to be put down either because they have been severely abused physically or emotionally," said Moeller, a canine massage therapist who knew she could help Triumph.

But there was the question of expenses. Could she afford the flight from Turkey to Tennessee, the special crate Triumph needed and all the other costs involved in the international transfer?

These questions were answered when, suddenly, people who had never met Moeller or Triumph started sending contributions.

"It was like a miracle - all the kindness and outpourings from folks we will probably never know," said Moeller, who created special pads that she wrapped on Triumph's rear stubs when she arrived.

For the first time since losing her legs Triumph was able to take steps of sorts, rather than just drag on her belly.

With her therapeutic fingers Moeller, trained in Reiki and Healing Touch, began her holistic techniques with the helpless husky, which showed her gratification by lovingly licking her face.

"I even get to use my education as a psychologist," said Moeller, "because animals suffer from the same things as humans. "Triumph has the most gentle, pleasant, loving, grateful personality you could imagine. And she's adapted very well to the temporary 'berkies,'" said Moeller.

The news gets even better. Moeller took the husky to Tom Brady of Total Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems, who is designing and constructing a special prosthesis for this special dog.

"Triumph's first fitting of the permanents was absolutely amazing. When we put them on her she hesitated for about five seconds, realizing something different was attached to her, then she literally took off running down the hall - in and out of offices and left us standing with our jaws open. Tom said he never expected it to be that good. It was as if she knew she had legs," Moeller said.

The legs are being made from some hi-tech materials, Moeller explained, and they will fit without any laces, belts or buckles. The goal is for each of them to be held in place by suction.

Plaster casts were made and then a clear version of the final product was fitted on Triumph. Being clear allowed her prosthesis maker to see where any adjustments needed to be made.

"Tom is now working through how he is going to make the paw part. You have to understand that we can find no record anywhere of this type of leg/foot ever having been made for a dog.

"Usually those with double rear amputations are put on a cart with wheels, which they pull around. Our vision is to have her walk independently on all fours," said Moeller.

Just standing on all fours, rather than being on her belly all the time, gives Triumph a new perspective on life and a feeling of confidence, Moeller said. But Triumph knows her limitations for the moment, Moeller said, noting that with the temporaries the husky still cannot jump or scratch her ears.

"So each night when it is time to go to bed Triumph goes to my bed and stands there to be lifted up. I take her legs off, give her a massage and she lays on her own blankie. In the morning we do the massage, put on the legs and then we're off.

"She goes to the office with me every day, plays with her sisters - four other dogs - loves to ride in the front seat of the truck and generally makes everybody smile who sees her. She is courageous, she holds no grudge for what has happened to her. She is a shining example of forgiveness and unconditional love."

Triumph's future is bright, according to Moeller. When the husky has her permanents she will go to therapy school to become a therapy dog and will continue to visit children's hospitals and nursing homes.

"Triumph has a message to share with everyone," said Moeller. "She has taught us about sharing, caring, dedication and that good people from all over the world working together for one common goal can accomplish great possibilities."

For additional information about Triumph, visit the website triumphthedog.net or e-mail usa@aol.com.