My name is Bobbie and I am Billie's human. I am a work with Sue at UT vet school. First of all I want you to know how much Billie adores her" Hide-a-Pup Bed". It's her piece of heaven on earth.
Here is Billie's story:
She had a ruptured disc in her back in February of this year, 2006. (4 months ago). When she arrived at UT vet school she had lost deep pain (the ability to feel her legs) and motor (the ability to move her legs). Her then owners could not financially afford the diagnostics and surgical treatment. If no treatment was pursued she would be paralyzed forever. Their options were to put the dog in a doggie wheelchair and manage her condition, euthanize her (put her to sleep) or donate her to UT vet school. With the wife in a human wheelchair herself, the owners decided to do what was best for the dog and donated her. I adopted her and Billie underwent a myelogram (radiographic imaging) to locate the disc rupture, she then underwent a hemilaminectomy (neuro-surgery) to decompress her spine. She spent the night in the intensive care unit. I renamed her Billie after her neuro-surgeon, Dr. William Thomas, affectionately known as Billy. She began physical rehabilitation two weeks later. Her therapy consists of massage, passive range of motion, and therapeutic exercise in the underwater treadmill. She gets therapy twice daily. She has improved significantly over the last four months.
About two months ago, I had her rechecked by neurology and they were happy to report that she had regained deep pain and motor. A huge success. Now she is able to walk unassisted on carpet and grass. Slippery flooring is still challenging, therefore she uses the wheelchair on those surfaces. She goes to work with me everyday, and as a result has made many friends. Sue is her biggest fan! I am optimistic she will make a near full recovery, I expect her to be highly functional at one year after surgery. I'm thankful you have shown an interest in Billie. And I am pleased to share her story. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Thank you for making a place on your webpage for Billie. It is truly an honor. Take care.
Warmly,
Bobbie
Billie's Mom is the Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Therapy Nurse at University of Tennessee
By now you are probably wondering why this little Dog is here. A few weeks ago and very dear friend of mine, contacted me to make some Crate Pillows for her Furbabies, she works at The University of Tennessee Vet School in Knoxville, Tennessee. I made the Crate pillows and as I was packing her box I saw 4 small prototype "Hide-A-Pup Beds" laying on my cutting table. Knowing the loving care they give the special little babies while they are in the hospital there I decided to add these small beds to her box. I was not sure if they could use them or not. Well she got the box and found the beds, she immediately knew a special little one who loves to cuddle up in a warm blanket after her therapy sessions. She took one of the beds down to Billie and the rest is history!!!!!!
These special Billie Beds are now available at The University of Tennessee, to be used to comfort these babies when they are away from home and in the hospital. Many times when a little one is at UT, they are so afraid of all the new strange smells and surroundings, many of the staff will hold these babies rather than have them be alone. These babies respond to love, and with Mom or Dad not available the next best thing is a warm lap. These little "Billie Beds" are just perfect for this. The baby has a snug secure place to rest. Many times helping them to recover so much quicker. The little ones can be carried around in the comforting arms of the loving staff at UT during their stay there.
Please read the story below from Billies Mom, Bobbie.
Billie meets Rudy
Rudy is Billie's brother he was also adopted, from a local shelter and was actually dog aggressive, bobbie was worried how they would get along, but as you can see they are the best of friends. The first time they were introduced Rudy licked Billie's little incision on her back and they have been the best of buddies ever since.
Billie and her Mom Bobbie
Billie with Karen McLucas, the neurology nurse (left) and the student who cared for Billie, Ana.)right, amd of course Billie in the middle!!!
One of the many benefits of coming to work with Mom
"Can't anyone see.....We want to go out!!!"
"Oh, what a life!!!!!!"
Now that you have read Billie's story, learn how you can get one of these Billie Beds for your baby and at the same time help the
"Angel Fund"
Wether you are going to the University of Tennessee to have your baby treated or just like what you see here, You can purchase one of these beds made especially for "The University of Tennessee" and also help a fund that is very near and dear to all of us.....
University of Tennessee's Angel Fund for Research and treatment of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in dogs
All Billie Beds are 20 X 24 inches of soft cozy Fleece Fabric.
Billie Beds are $25.00 each
100% of the sales price of all "Billie Beds" will go to the UT "Angel Fund"
Click on Billie to Email us
She is waiting for your Emails..!!!!
Click the BACK Button to learn more about the "Angel Fund"
This page was last updated: September 26, 2008
Please sign Billie's Guest Book
BILLIE BEDS
Made especially for a very special little fighter....!!!!!!
Click on the fabric below to be the first to have the NEW Fabric.......
You may then send me an email telling me the bed you want, I will respond within 24 hrs to confirm your order. We accept personal checks, money orders and Pay Pal.
Billie Beds are $25.00 plus shipping.....
100% OF THE $25.00 from each Billie Bed sold goes to the UT Angel Fund.....
Winky, the Yorkie in his UT, ICU "Billie Bed" , all little ones who come to UT for surgery of any kind are given one of these cuddly Frog Print Beds to cuddle up in while they are in the ICU at UT. The bed to the left is available for purchase,
100% OF ALL BILLIE BEDS SALES (less shipping charges)WILL NOW GO TO THE "ANGEL FUND" AT UT
Winky is 12 weeks old and is at UT awaiting his Liver Shunt Surgery. Look at that sweet face......
