Chocolate
Owners Kurt and Sarah Weidner
with Chocolate and
his favorite yellow ball.
See links at the left for details of Chocolate's story.
Photo by Henry Moore J. WSU/BCU
It has been more than 3 years since Chocolate first came to the WSU
Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2008. But when he returned in November
2011, no one had forgotten this very special dog. Everyone at the
teaching hospital was happy to see him again and how well he's doing
today. And Chocolate seemed excited to see them, too!
Chocolate now lives with his owners Kurt and Sarah Weidner, who say he
is thriving.
"Chocolate is doing great," said Sarah. "He turned 5 this last summer
and is happy and healthy. Chocolate fits in so well with our family."
When he first came to live with them in July 2008, he wouldn't venture
into the whole yard. Today, he charges to the back fence and acts more
like a puppy than ever before.
"Although he hates doing his exercises and lets you know," said Sarah.
"But he still does them without too much trouble. His favorite exercise
is swimming. He loves the water."
And he's still a celebrity at home where he is often recognized by
people on the street who want to pet him. They take Chocolate everywhere
these days. He goes camping, fishing, boating and even on snowmobile
trips.
"Where we go our puppies go with us," said Kurt.
When they first got him, they asked themselves what they were getting
themselves into. But there have been no problems, Chocolate and everyone
else knows Chocolate's limitations.
"We make accommodations for Chocolate in all we do and that works for
all of us just fine," said Sarah.
He still doesn't use his right front paw to stand, but he does run and
walk on it.
"We thank everyone at WSU for all that they did to restore Chocolate's
health so that he could become a member of our family," said Sarah. "We
just cannot imagine life without him."
