Lance, the Long Little Doggy: Children's Hero

You should have seen the huge, knowing smile on my face when I opened an email from a friend the other day, about a rather unique and unusual physical therapist who specializes in working with children.

He certainly doesn't wear a white coat, which can be frightening to youngsters, but he does sport a black and tan fur coat which seems to appeal to the kids. At only one foot-tall, he is far shorter than the patients with whom he "treats", but the children don't seem to mind one bit.

He takes his position as a therapist on the "staff" of the Miami Children's Hospital very seriously, arriving every Tuesday in a diminutive "wheelchair". You see, Dr. Lance is a 5 year-old Dachshund therapy dog. Animals are well known to be the best therapists, not only for children, but for adults as well.

The expression, "Physician, Heal thyself" may definitely apply here! Since Lance gets just as much pleasure being petted by pediatric patients as they receive from him, his job must be very emotionally healing to him. I can only imagine that he must feel a great sense of purpose in being of service to these children. He visits them, ambulating in his chair to get close enough for them to touch him. They are delighted by his hospital calls, and of course there is no fee for his service

Photo credit: AP Caio Stinchi, who resides in Coconut Grove, Florida, said, "We decided to turn his situation into something good". Two years ago, Lance woke up unable to move, according to Claudia Machado, Mr. Stinchi's wife. Lance was brought to the University of Florida's veterinary hospital in Gainesville, where "Super Lance", (the name he is called at the hospital where he "works") was diagnosed with a second-degree herniated disc, a condition that can affect the breed.

Unfortunately the diagnosis was made too late. There was irrevocable damage to his spinal cord, which rendered him paralyzed.

Claudia was devastated, fainting in the veterinarian's office when she received the heart-breaking news about Lance. She and her husband consider him to be their "only son". But after they were able to process what Lance was going through, Claudia said, "But you have to pick up the pieces and make the best of it." After considerable research about what they could do to make Lance's life more comfortable, they learned they could order a custom-made wheelchair for their beloved dog.

Claudia remarked, "The wheelchair was a natural thing for him. He got movement back. He was moving around the office as he always would. It was the coolest day of my life because I could see in his face that he was excited to be moving around."

However, the paralyzed dachund's new mobility was only the start of a totally brand new life and unexpected lifestyle for Lance and his human family. Since they had experienced what most people would consider a tragedy, they started researching about how Lance's disability might bring hope and change for sick children struggling with their own losses. They discovered Therapy Dog Inc., an organization based in Wyoming that tests, trains and registers therapy dogs throughout the country.

Therapy Dogs certified the courageous little dog in 2008. The couple also became "certified Pet Handlers". They registered him as a therapy dog at Miami Children's Hospital, where he makes his rounds every Tuesday, visiting children recovering from illness or surgery. Of course, Lance is not permitted to bark or lick the faces of the patients or families while he is on duty. And while Lance's paralysis prevents him from wagging his tail, he raises his ears to show his pleasure. His undaunting spirit and joi -de-vive is totally contagious to both patients and staff.

Read more about Lance and his amazing contribution by visiting: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1328982.html

Have you had experience with a handicapped pet? Leave a comment and share.