|
Ikea makes a mark of his own
 |
| Ikea wearing his award. |
IKEA was a pup in training when his problems began. He contracted recurring campylobacter and after that illness had eaten into his resistance he caught kennel cough, and to add to the problems he had to have lumps on his tail surgically removed.
But he was bouncing back from the illnesses and playing with some canine friends one day and collided with one of them. Sandra Parton, at that stage Ikea's Canine Partners for Independence (CPI) puppy parent, heard a large crack and Ikea was lame. A broken leg was suspected and he was rushed to the vet, but after many x-rays nothing was found.
Ikea was then taken to a specialist who suspected OCD (osteochondritis dessecans). But again the x-rays showed no problem. After a few more tests the specialist had run out of suggestions ... other than euthanasia.
Sandra decided to keep Ikea and CPI agreed. Since then the stiffness has begun spreading to his wrists but no diagnosis has ever been made, other than to discover he has very low thyroid levels.
Sandra is convinced that he has a canine version of ME, with a very low immune system and low energy levels. He still has vets confused.
 |
| Ikea and his playmate Endal. |
But now Ikea has proved to everyone that his struggle for life and health was all worthwhile. While he could no longer be a service dog he has still made an enormous impact on CPI as an ambassador for the charity. He spends most of his weekends at events with Sandra, working to promote and raise funds for Canine Partners, thus releasing the service dogs from that work.
He has worked largely behind the scenes, without any recognition, but that has all changed now - Ikea has won the K9 Face of 2003 award from Dogs Today magazine.
Ikea will become a calendar star along with the nations most deserving dogs. His picture will be titled Angel with a Cold Wet Nose and will be taken by top dog photographer Tim Rose.
International groomer of the year, Anita Bax, will be on hand to pamper and make sure Ikea looks and feels his best.
The calendar will be released soon by Dogs Today magazine.
Sandra says that Ikea gives his all in spite of the ongoing health problems he has learned to live with. He never complains, even when he is working at an event until late at night, and his tail is always wagging.
|
