Meet Maddie

One of the joys of writing this blog is that I’ve met so many CH cat pet parents along the way. But last year I met someone who’s special in a different way — Maddie, the CH dog, and her pet parent, Ruth.

Although “dog” may not be the correct term for Maddie, as Ruth says it’s more accurate to describe her as a squirfoxaroo — a very special creature that looks like a fox with a squirrel tail and hops like a kangaroo!

How severe do you consider her CH to be?

Mild

What is she able to do? What are her limitations?

She seems to do a lot of things, except she doesn’t do stairs well or steep hills, up is a bit easier than down. Although she has tumbled backwards on steps, very scary. She cannot get up on furniture or beds, but she is so cute she talks others into doing it for her.

Do you have any funny stories that have happened to her because of her CH? Or perhaps a story about how she figured out how to do something CH animals may not be able to do?

She has a funny prancing walk that is very entertaining. Also, her running butt flips are also amusing! She has a head tremor, but she can throw a ball and chase it herself. She can really throw it high up, almost using the head bob to make the ball fly.

Has she ever hurt herself because of her CH?

Yes, she strained a muscle in her front legs (the stronger end) and I had to hold up her back end with a towel for a few days. I think she may have learned her lesson.

Every animal is special in her or his own way. How is she special?

Where to start. She has such a great personality! She is happy, funny, a bit obsessive, sweet and very loving. She can be a teensy bit annoying when she wants me to get the one tennis ball that has rolled under the couch even though she has five others in easy reach. But I cannot imagine living without her.

Have you found any ways to help her with her condition?

I just try to curb her speed and pay attention. Of course that is impossible. We now live in a house with a fenced in yard so she can run around.

What do you think people need to know about CH?

It is not a serious disability in that it does not cause any problems with incontinence or cause pain.

What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about Maddie having CH?

My favorite is her prancy walk. Least favorite is when she runs into things, or falls over and has trouble getting up.

Do you have any words of wisdom for other CH parents?

Just appreciate your pet’s love. I think that CH gives them a great attitude and they are a great example for us all.

Check out Maddieroo.com, Maddie on Dogster and Maddie on YouTube.

Click here to read about other readers’ CH pets  or tell us about your CH pet!