"My name is Lady Bug (aka "The Bug") O'Neil. On New Year's Eve 2014 I was left behind at a shelter in Riverside. I was given up because I had a technical snafu with my long body which rendered my hind quarters to be useless. In other words, I couldn't walk. It was such a bummer!
The amazing people at Los Angeles Dachshund Rescue gave me a second chance. They took me to a neurologist who said I wasn't a good surgical candidate because I couldn't feel my hind legs. The rescue didn't give up on me and found me a wonderful foster who I was with for four months.
Then one day, the great people at LA Dachshund Rescue had the fantastic idea to take me to California Animal Rehabilitation (aka CARE). Unsure and little nervous, I went in for my initial exam. They did a full examination on me including measurements of my muscles and all my joints. To my delight, the kind veterinarian said I would walk again! I was so happy for the first time in months! I lived at CARE for a couple months where I took part in rigorous daily physical therapy, acupuncture and underwater treadmill. I have to admit, some days were harder than others. There were some days I wanted to give up, but all my hard work eventually paid off and I learned to walk again. In the process of learning to walk, I also found a home. The kind veterinarian who said I would walk again ended up adopting me. I now have a loving family and home that I also share with two cats that I love to chase!
Together we have been training very hard and it’s now an absolute honor to compete in the 22nd annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals."
Lady Bug (aka "The Bug") O'Neil will be racing in trial #6 at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday, July 22.
She'll be starting from the number one post position, and her lure at the finish line will be a delicious box of Cheez-It, which she enjoys as a snack. We invite you to cheer Lady Bug on Saturday night. She’s already a wonderful and courageous winner in our book.