Wild Hearts- Pet Mobility Support

Wild Hearts-Pet Mobility Support.

by Robert Hudson

Wild Hearts is helping pets who have mobility issues like no other organization I have ever seen. They collect donations to pay for a wheelchair or other types of mobility aids for many kinds of animals. Not just dogs and cats. In addition they provide education for care, education on various special needs conditions, and emotional support for the life of the animal for as long as they need help.

“Wild Hearts provides continuous, comprehensive care to animals with mobility issues and resources and support to the people that love them. We offer financial, emotional, + resource support; veterinary services +, rehabilitation therapy; assistive devices + supplies; ongoing education.”

Wild Hearts- Pet Mobility Support- The Mission

I spoke with Erin Kowalski, NCCMT, CCRA, RMP Executive Director, Wild Hearts.

“Wild Hearts started out of my own experience caring for the first paralyzed and incontinent pet that I had the pleasure to foster and ultimately adopt. It was through our trial and errors, my own research, and navigating daily life with her that I realized that there were little to no resources out there for us. When she passed away I knew I needed to do something to help others going through similar situations. If I could help one pet improve their mobility or share my experience and knowledge to make one pet owner’s life a little easier it would all be worth it. Here we are 8 years later and have sponsored over 375 pets across the world.,” she told me.

Wild Hearts- Pet Mobility Support seeks to:

• Keep pets with their families
• Prevent the needless surrender and euthanasia of pets of varying abilities  
• Make veterinary rehabilitation, diagnostics and specialty care accessible for all
• Raise awareness for and help organizations rescue overlooked animals from high kill shelters
• Support, encourage and collaborate with other animal welfare organizations and like-minded businesses
• Improve quality of life of pets with varying abilities and their caregivers

How It Works

Erin explained, “Rescue organizations and pet owners submit an application including pertinent medical records and a video of their pet. Our Board and Veterinary Committee review the applications and supporting materials to make decisions that align with keeping pets’ needs in mind. Once accepted for a sponsorship, Wild Hearts- Pet Mobility Support contacts veterinary clinics and businesses to make arrangements for payments; orders supplies/equipment; and attends monthly check-in sessions with each awardee to discuss their pet’s progress.”

The Wild Hearts Family

Earlier we did a story on Wobbly Hannah who works with Wild Hearts. Last summer we featured Stevie the Wonder Dog who also is a member of the Wild Hearts family.

“Working with all pets in our sponsorship family including those with a larger social media presence who have become Wild Hearts SpokesPets like Stevie the Wonder Dog, Wobbly Hannah, @gimmesomejosh, @ltdansjourney have been amazingly influential in furthering the mission of our organization. Not only have they helped by spreading the word of our programs, but they’ve also helped us fundraise.

Stevie and Hannah’s moms have gone even further and volunteered to head up one of our peer support groups to help others navigate life with a pet with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. We genuinely appreciate our growing family. We know that the more we help others, the more impact and reach we have to change the lives of pets..”

“Using the application process is one way a pet can receive an assistive device. We also have an Equipment Loan program where donations of gently used (sometimes new) devices are loaned out to pets in the community.”

Expert Medical Consultation

“We partner with clinics across the country and world. We rely on direct communication with them to continue sponsoring pets in their care. A number of veterinary specialists are also on our Veterinary Advisory Board. They help us process applications and prioritize care. They offer insight on cases to best direct our funding while allowing our sponsored pets to thrive. A number of vets are also supporters, donors and volunteers. “

When you are accepted into the program you have zero cost for anything they provide. What incredible dedication these people have motivated by pure love- not money or fame. You can help by making a donation today. Stevie the Wonder Dog and Wobbly Hannah, as well as Pet Radio Show encourage you to make a donation. Your support will help more animals and their families.

Wild Hearts- Pet Mobility Support- You Can Help

We are sponsoring a fundraiser for Wild Hearts. Pet Radio, encourage you to help make a difference for these loving animals. Visit their homepage. Tell them Pet Radio sent you!