Matilda had recovered from her bilateral luxating patella surgery. Her Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) was being managed as best we could. She was still the energetic but cuddle-worthy soul she had always been. One thing, though, we weren’t quite expecting was that she seemed to be getting YOUNGER.
Just as in humans, pain ages dogs. You can see it in their faces, in their posture, and in their gait. The pictures of her after being pulled from her hoarding situation, unable to walk, crouched, bad skin, etc. were just heartbreaking. She was listed as ten years old, and that seemed kind. Only ten? She was actually much younger but you just wouldn’t have known it. But, day by day, PT session by PT session, and hug by hug, she was shedding the apparent years. What emerged at the end of her healing process was a young, graceful, happy, and grateful child with a big horizon in front of her.
One of Matilda’s primary therapists and caregivers at Two Hands Four Paws was Dr. Anna Makedonova. Dr. Anna earned her DVM at the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology in 2017. In 2022 she emigrated to the United States and is working as a therapist in our rehab clinic while she prepares to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). She has years of expertise in Canine and Feline rehabilitation and we’re fortunate to have her.
Dr. Anna fell in love with Matilda right from the start. When Matilda was able to leave the clinic for sleepovers Dr. Anna was first in line. Matilda loved her right back. They made such a cute couple. And when Dr. Anna’s husband, also a veterinarian, took to carrying Matilda everywhere the deal was done! Matilda now lives with two veterinarians who just adore her. Happy endings don’t get much happier than that!
The Two Hands Four Paws Foundation community, our veterinarians, our rehabbers, our assistants, our donors, and our volunteers came together and knocked this one out of the park. We thank them all.
Bravo, little Matilda. You made it. Congratulations, and enjoy your life!