A video of a cat rubbing up against the family dog, unsure why he was not moving, became an instant tearjerker due to an accident that caused the canine to become paralyzed.
Henry the dachshund went through a horrific accident, leaving him paralyzed. His owners let him outside for one last bathroom break before bedtime. He uses a ramp to go from the deck to the yard, but this time, he slipped and instantly began crying and screaming. A trip to the emergency vet revealed that Henry suffered a spinal cord injury. He was listed as stage five of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), meaning paralysis and the loss of feeling and sensation within his legs.
While the dachshund breed is susceptible to IVDD because of their elongated spines, injuries and accidents can also cause damage to the discs in their spines. About 25 percent of dachshunds will suffer from IVDD at some point in their lives, according to The International Animal Welfare Science Society.
This accident left Henry completely paralyzed in his back legs. And thus began a new, difficult journey to getting him back on a routine.
Last week’s Instagram video, posted to the account @henry.the.mini.hotdog, showed how the accident affected more than just Henry. The family’s black cat, Greta, did not understand why her buddy could no longer move, as she tried rubbing up against him and initiating playtime.
The owner, Jenna Lawing-Yates, told Newsweek via Instagram that Henry and Greta did not always start as best friends. Henry originally hated it when they brought home Gretya, the owner said. He became territorial. Henry would growl, wanting to attack.
But, with patience and the swapping of their scents, the two learned to be near each other. Their bond grew and soon enough, the two became best friends.
“Henry became very fond and protective over Greta,” Lawing-Yates said. “She is a very antisocial cat, never rubs against us or cuddles us, but she will rub against Henry and lie near him.”
Lawing-Yates captured the moment Greta tried to play with Henry, as she’s done before. She rubbed her head against his, but he retreated. Confused by the sudden change in heart, Greta kept trying. She had no idea why he no longer wanted to play, which left the owner full of emotions as she grieved her dog’s old life and saw her cat try to understand.
“She didn’t understand why her brother wasn’t jumping and trying to tackle her,” she said. “She was confused. But she loves him regardless. She showed him that simple affection, and it made me realize that all animals ever do is show unconditional love.”
The Instagram clip amassed over 183,000 views, 17,900 likes and 212 comments, with viewers expressing their heartbreak for Henry’s story.
“They are forever besties and right now it’s really good for him to have this bonded friendship,” wrote a viewer.
Another person said: “They know. So important to keep the faith and be positive. Henry can sense that too,” to which the owner replied that Greta has been great and will sit with him and rub up against him. She somehow knows playtime is no longer an option.
Henry has since received a wheelchair to assist him in standing and moving around. He’s been adjusting to it little by little, and Lawing-Yates said the wheels have been helpful.