TAVARES, Fla. – A Lake County nonprofit is hosting a yard sale Saturday to help cover a foster dog's extensive medical needs after the pup was hit by a car and didn't receive immediate medical attention, leaving her paralyzed.
NeeNee, a sweet-faced brown and white dog, was hit by a car and her owners later surrendered her to a shelter. Tanya Meyer has been fostering her for the month and helping NeeNee gain back some strength by taking her to rehabilitation.
Meyer said she was first told by two different veterinarians that NeeNee should be put down and there was nothing that could be done.
NeeNee during physical therapy.
NeeNee's legs had atrophied from being paralyzed and not using her muscles and tendons, but after working with NeeNee, Meyer said her paws now touch the ground and she can use them on a water treadmill in therapy.
NeeNee now scoots around in a specially made wheelchair that carries her paralyzed back legs.
Two Lake County nonprofits are assisting with NeeNee's care. Meyer is on the board of directors at Love Enrichment Adoption Shelter Health Inc., or LEASH Inc., a Lake County nonprofit that works with the county animal shelter to help shelter dogs transition to forever homes, Noble Island Ranch and Rescue has been providing funding for NeeNee's expensive therapy costs as well as helping her get into a doggy wheelchair.
Randy and Leslie Noble with NIRR said "NeeNee is worth every penny."
However, Meyer said NeeNee is far from done with her treatment.
On Saturday LEASH Inc. will host a yard sale to help cover more rehabilitation sessions for NeeNee. All the proceeds raised will benefit NeeNee's medical care.
"NeeNee has shown she is determined to walk again and has shown such progress that we know we can't give up on her now," Meyer said.
The yard sale starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at 27719 Lois Drive in Tavares. For more information visit the Facebook event page.
To help support NeeNee and other animals helped by LEASH Inc and NIRR visit leashinc.org and the NIRR Facebook page here.