Paralyzed dog from Thailand gets a new chance of life in Canada

When Ottawa based model Megan Penman planned to visit Thailand she had no idea that it was a decision that would not only change her life forever but give a second chance to a paralyzed dog she has named Leo.

LeoSeveral months ago Megan was enjoying her vacation when she came across a dog on the beach dragging his hind legs behind him. She contacted a number of Thai dog shelters but found none who were in a position to take care of a dog that could not walk.

After naming the puppy Leo she got him to a vet where she discovered his back was broken and that he had no feeling in his legs, she was told that he would never walk again.

She then took the decision to give the pooch a second chance at life and started to raise money via GOFundMe.com and YouCaring.com in order to relocate the dog to Canada. The money raised was to cover is transportation, medical expenses and the cost of a custom made wheelchair. She also started a Facebook page to document her and Leo’s unique journey.

She said “I did not really know what I was getting myself into at first, but the next thing I knew I was in the middle of a huge process that took months to finally pull off. There were times when the whole processes was really frustrating and I was told time and again I would be best advised to put Leo down, but you can’t put value on life, I could not ignore this level of neglect, no animal deserves a life like that”.

The donations for Leo poured in and after three months in the care of the Veterinarians Leo finally flew to Canada. Penman found a foster home for him in Sarnia, Ontario Jane Smith, the dogs new foster mother was able to get Leo a wheelchair so he could regain some mobility.

“She is a really awesome person and I am very happy that he ended up with her. I am by no means a professional dog rescuer but I could not have left him there so I did what I could to get him home,” Penman wrote about Leo’s new home.

“I’d say Leo is pretty much set for the rest of his days. We have received well over 5000 in donations with the combination of both funding sites which will be put into a bank account so Jamie can access it whenever Leo needs something. He’s got his own little trust fund. You made this happen! Pat yourselves on the back people, Leo wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of your generosity. Thank you,” Penman wrote to Leo’s supporters on Facebook.

Penman hopes to visit Leo at his new home soon.

-- Samui Times 2014-11-25

+100

after the story of poppy postar we have another heart warming story of leo long may he enjoy his new life.

and good luck to all that made it possible.

"no animal deserves a life like that"

well said and done

Rare is the time we see such uplifting stories on TV. Those pics of Leo as well as this moving story made my day!

He looks so happy! <3

Great compassion does great things.

....one word....'humanity'.....

....a truly beautiful person.....through and through....not just 'skin deep'.....

...proud to be a Canadian.....too....!!!

I'm sorry I don't agree with this, I live across the road from a beach in Rayong and you need to see the amount of dogs which are dumped on the beach by people from between local to Bangkok number plates. It's lovely for that one dog but what about all the others, the local temples have notices now saying they are full and can't take anymore dogs or cats.

All this money has been raised for a dog, I love dogs and we have a 12 week old golden retriever but it is looked after. I have been attacked so many times by feral soi dogs that if I had a gun I would shoot all of them, they have attacked children and not been removed by the police. All you people saying how good she is doing should think about your motivation, it would be better if all you people would contribute to the sterilisation program.

I started my reply only about dogs, do any of you care about people and their families which live on the streets of Thailand, I feel sorry for that dog's suffering but there are many things that the money contributed could be put to better use?. Are you all x factor tv watchers and just live for celebrity?.

my edit, he's a soi dog how long do you expect he's going to live for?. if his life is prolonged by expensive vets fees what does that make all of you, don't post humanity because it's a dog. some of you need to travel more and see realities of this planet, if you had you wouldn't be posting about humanity.

How to make real merit in one's life.

somebody is grumpy

She then took the decision to give the pooch a second chance at life and started to raise money

If this model has such a good heart, then why she didn't cover the costs herself?

Oh I also want to take care of a dog, and get in the spotlight, can you cover the costs for me?

Donations from 5000 people, I am sceptical about most fund raising for most projects like this. If she posted

nothing on line, and paid the expenses herself, then I would be impressed. Looks self serving to me.

How much money was raised and how was it spent. Probably much better ways to spend it.

She is not even the person looking after the dog.Unfortunately travelling in Africa and South East Asia, reading

about NGO's operating in Haiti and around the world including the UN has left me a cynic.

I'm sorry I don't agree with this, I live across the road from a beach in Rayong and you need to see the amount of dogs which are dumped on the beach by people from between local to Bangkok number plates. It's lovely for that one dog but what about all the others, the local temples have notices now saying they are full and can't take anymore dogs or cats.

All this money has been raised for a dog, I love dogs and we have a 12 week old golden retriever but it is looked after. I have been attacked so many times by feral soi dogs that if I had a gun I would shoot all of them, they have attacked children and not been removed by the police. All you people saying how good she is doing should think about your motivation, it would be better if all you people would contribute to the sterilisation program.

I started my reply only about dogs, do any of you care about people and their families which live on the streets of Thailand, I feel sorry for that dog's suffering but there are many things that the money contributed could be put to better use?. Are you all x factor tv watchers and just live for celebrity?.

my edit, he's a soi dog how long do you expect he's going to live for?. if his life is prolonged by expensive vets fees what does that make all of you, don't post humanity because it's a dog. some of you need to travel more and see realities of this planet, if you had you wouldn't be posting about humanity.

While your post has some merit, I a prefer to comment on the OP and not stray too far.

Glad one small animal was rescued.

What about all the animals in captivity that are waiting on death row just to feed little fluffy....

Where's the humanity in that?.....

We could all raise money this way for all the damaged soi dogs in Thaland and send them to a home in the western world. But would it really help Thailand and the soidog problems that are huge ?