Dot’s Journey – A Cockerpoo’s Tale of Courage, Wheels, and Wags.

If you've ever met Dot, you know she's no ordinary dog.

At 5 years and 5 months old, this caramel-coloured Cockerpoo has always been a pint-sized powerhouse—full of sass, zoomies, and sofa acrobatics that would make a gymnast jealous.

But in December 2023, Dot’s daredevil ways caught up with her in the most devastating way.

One jump. That’s all it took.

What started as just another leap off the sofa ended in heartbreak. Dot ruptured the T11/T12 disc in her spine. The diagnosis was serious. She needed emergency spinal surgery—specifically, a left-sided T10-T11, T11-T12, T12-T13 and T13-L1 hemilaminectomy.

During the operation, a large amount of intervertebral disc material was removed to decompress her spinal cord. It was a big procedure for a little dog, but Dot—true to her stubborn spirit—pulled through.

She was hospitalised for a short time following surgery, where she received round-the-clock nursing care, pain relief, bladder management due to incontinence, and the beginning stages of physiotherapy. Her tail didn’t wag, and her legs didn’t work like they used to. But if anyone could fight back from this, it was Dot.

The Homecoming

When Dot finally came home, the reality of her recovery set in. She was on strict crate rest for four weeks, and her once-bustling world became still. But she wasn’t alone. Her mum, the true hero behind the scenes, transformed their home into a canine recovery retreat. She learned how to empty Dot’s bladder, stayed up through the night when needed, and even bought her a special set of wheels for her back legs to keep her moving and motivated.

Dots wheels became part of her new identity. She couldn’t toilet on her own, but she never stopped trying. Her mum never gave up—not for a moment.

Enter: AJ

Then came AJ – Black Cat Veterinary Physiotherapy, in March 2025. On their very first session together at Phoenix Vets, AJ worked on Dot using massage and laser therapy. And then—like a spark of hope—Dot wagged her tail. For the first time since her surgery.

Her mum cried. AJ smiled. And Dot? She just looked pleased with herself.

Since then, AJ has become a huge part of Dot’s ongoing rehabilitation. She continues to receive laser therapy, massage, and physiotherapy on a regular basis.

Her mum stays fully committed, never missing a session and doing everything she can at home to support Dot’s recovery—including therapeutic walking and setting up a mini assault course in their garden to get Dot using her back legs again.

Where Dot Is Now

Fast forward to today—June 2025—and the transformation has been nothing short of incredible.

🌟 Dot is walking short distances without her wheels.

🌟 She’s asking to go out to the toilet on her own. (For the first time since before her surgery!)

🌟 She’s about to begin hydrotherapy to help build muscle and strengthen those back legs even more.

Dot still has a journey ahead, but every day brings new wins. From paralysis to paw-steps, she’s rewriting her story with grit, determination, and an unstoppable spirit.

To Dot—our little warrior: we are so proud of you.

Watch this space... Dot isn’t done yet.