Relearning to Walk --
One Dog's Recovery from a Broken Back
Scooter is an example of a dog that suffered major physical trauma and was helped by the SENSE Method. A small, tan dog of unknown heritage, Scooter was rescued on a freeway in Los Angeles, suffering from multiple traumas. Radiographs revealed a fractured pelvis and two fractured lumbar vertebrae. Fortunately, his spinal cord was undamaged.
After treating Scooter as best he could, the vet recommended that his rescuer take him home and keep him confined to a small bathroom to limit his movement and allow his bones to heal. He predicted that Scooter would be fine in about six weeks. His new "mom" was a diligent guardian and Scooter received the best of care.
Over eight weeks passed and Scooter still wasn't moving his hind legs. While a new set of X-rays showed that the bones had healed nicely, Scooter continued to drag himself along by his front legs, making no attempt to stand.
His owner brought Scooter to me for some SENSE Method work. I touched Scooter in very specific ways and gently pushed through his hind paws, allowing his nervous system to safely experience the sensation of standing. All of this was done while Scooter was lying down. I never asked him to try to support himself on his hind end. I wanted it to be his choice. I was merely reintroducing the idea of standing to him. By keeping it low key, Scooter would be more likely to recreate the sensations on his own. If I caused him even the slightest anxiety or pain, Scooter would be convinced that standing was a bad idea!
 I soon received a call from Scooter's owner, who reported that, after returning home, Scooter stood up and took a step. Optimistic, she asked if I would see him again. After our second, and final, session, Scooter went home and walked around a bit, supporting himself on all four legs.
Scooter steadily increased his ability to maintain this upright position and in a short time there was no evidence of his trauma. He remains an active, happy dog to this day.
In Scooter's case, his orthopedic injuries had healed, but his nervous system hadn't gotten the message! By supplying the necessary sensory input, I was able to teach him that he could indeed stand on his own four feet.
"We found the young dog after he had been hit on the freeway. The vet discovered that he had two fractured vertebrae and a broken pelvis. After months of veterinary treatment and loving care, he still wasn't walking. Mary worked with him twice and he was up and about after the second session."
--Ms. Kay, (Scooter's "mom"), Los Angeles, CA
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