Forest
Shanda I.
Hello! I'm Forest!
Pet Pleasures: Watching outdoor baseball on a hot summer day.
Pet Peeves: Accidentally biting your cheek when you're eating.
Arrived at FARRM: 2020
Sex: Male
Age: 2018
About: Forest was transferred to FARRM from a more northern rescue. The rescue reached out to us as Forest came into their care and was diagnosed with what was thought to be a congenital birth defect. When Forest arrived at FARRM, he was not mobile at all and could not move on his own. After receiving immediate medical attention, he was diagnosed with spastic paraplegia. This is a condition that targets the muscles causing them to be stiff and weak. However, if Forest would have received medical attention and intervention upon birth, he could have had far better mobility and may have even been able to walk normally for most of his life. Because Forest came to us much later in his life, he will always have mobility issues and never be able to walk properly. Forest underwent months and months of physiotherapy using lifts and tools to teach him how to hold himself up, stand on his own, and eventually walk on his own!
Forest now has the ability to get around on his own, but moves with completely stiff back legs and sometimes requires assistance getting up or helping move him entirely if he is stuck under or against something. Forest requires extra attention and care, especially in the winter time as if he gets his back legs stuck against or under something he could very easily get frostbite. It is highly likely that Forest will suffer from arthritis sometime in the near future, which will be managed accordingly. Aside from Forest's medical concerns, he is the sweetest and loving boy! Forest is bashful, kind, and loving. He loves affection from people and makes the sweetest cooing noises when he is feeling content. Forest spends his days laying on the soft grass with the sun shining down on him.
