Life and limbs: Sunshine’s on a roll

“And you will skip about with joy like calves let from the stall.” (Malachi 4:2)

By Gregory Zschomler

For The Daily World

Thanks to generous giving by many kind hearts on the Harbor, Sunshine, a once-abused and maimed dog, now has new legs to stand on. Alice and Andy Fenske of Gentle Paws Hospice and Sanctuary report that Sunshine’s prosthetic appliances — made by Animal Orthocare — for which she was cast in late December, were delivered and fitted this past week. The bright-eyed canine has been slowly adapting to her new hind limbs.

“She’s getting used to them and we’re getting use to them,” said Andy Fenske, noting that Sunshine wore the fiberglass and rubber appliances for a half hour the first day. They’ve increased her time with the prosthetics by a half hour each day and as of Thursday she was up to two hours.

Sunshine's New Feet from Broken Bench Productions on Vimeo.

“It still scares her [right] at first, but then she starts running,” said Alice Fenske, smiling. It’s a hop-skip kind of jog for now — after all, Sunshine isn’t used to having legs, but the Fenskes believe she’s adapting really well.

“She’s very patient,” said Andy, “which means she kinda likes them.” That was something, he said, that couldn’t be said about the previous methods they tried.

Sunshine’s heartbreaking story of mutilation and handicap first came to public light this past holiday season. Her need for replacement hind legs had been taken on by a group of people who cared to make a difference. Their efforts to raise $2,500 for the dog’s artificial legs were recounted by the local media. Two fundraising events sponsored by Gentle Paws Hospice and Sanctuary, Bob Nelson of Westside Technologies, Wil Russoul’s Stone Soup Artists, and Hometown Feed took place just before Christmas. The goal was surpassed and more than $10,000 was raised.

“Thank everyone who donated,” said Alice. “Without the generous community support this couldn’t have ever happened to Sunshine. The people of Grays Harbor County are truly amazing!”

As the “face and poster child” of Hoquiam’s Gentle Paws, the charismatic Sunshine has helped bring awareness and funding to the program as well as love and much-needed support for the other senior and special needs animals they care for. She is but one of many at the eight-acre sanctuary. The additional funds will be put to good use at the Fenske’s reserve, now tending to the needs of 28 special needs canines and about 16 felines.

Finally, this once sad tale wags with a happy ending. Today, thanks to the kindness of so many, Sunshine will soon be easily running again with the big dogs. To see a video of Sunshine using her new legs go to: https://vimeo.com/201088993