Wrinkles Corner
Wrinkles Journal
I've been around dogs as long as I can remember. My earliest childhood memories are that of me in my grandfather's backyard trying to keep up with Herby as he ran around chasing various distractions. Never in my life has there been a dog as great, as influential, and as human as Wrinkles. Wrinkles, when she was born, was always mistaken for a Shar-Pei, because of her trademark and namesake wrinkles. Wrinkles was full of energy, constantly running around, and always searching for a companion for her playing. About two or three years ago, Wrinkles jumped off something and landed in such a way that she couldn't walk immediately after. My grandfather, becoming concerned, took her to the veterinarian, and we found out that Wrinkles rear legs had become paralyzed, immobile for the near future. If you think that paralyzation would slow down the enigmatic Wrinkles, you thought wrong. Wrinkles continued to try and play like she did prior to the accident, but she was unable. This accident was a heartbreaking occurrence, especially for my grandfather, because Wrinkles had always been the favorite dog and the one he took with him on every trip. In fact, it would surprise me if my grandfather even considered that she was a dog, she had become like a daughter to him, a sister to him, a best friend to him. The oft told adage that dogs are man's best friend is usually shrugged at, never quite appreciated. But I can tell you, never has there been a stronger bond between that of Wrinkles and my grandfather. So soon after the accident my grandfather started Wrinkles on acupuncture at the vet, and even in tough economic times, he found a way to provide this service for her, the same way you would do if your best friend had been injured tragically. Wrinkles continued the treatment, and her mobility did improve very much, although not to the same extend as pre-paralysis. Her legs still bother her in the cold weather, or on rainy days. The one activity that Wrinkles continues to excel at is swimming. Wrinkles has got to be the best swimming dog I have ever seen. Even after her paralysis, her muscles are so strong she can swim with the other dogs with just her front legs and limited help from her back legs. But there was still one problem. My grandfather has always taken his dogs everywhere possible, but he hated leaving them in the car when he went into stores or restaurants, or even into Dunkin' Donuts to grab a coffee real quick. So about a year ago, my grandfather applied for Wrinkles to be a diabetic alert dog, because my grandfather has type 2 diabetes. Wrinkles' new found service dog title enabled her to go with my grandfather in any public place, whether it's McDonald's, Sports Authority, or Wal-Mart. But Wrinkles wasn't just a holder of that title for the benefits. Six months ago, my grandfather had a heart attack at his home, and Wrinkles was sleeping in bed with him. As my grandfather had the attack, Wrinkles sensed the problem and alerted the other house members, and because of her, my grandfather had valve-replacement surgery and is now as active as he has ever been. One of his favorite activities is bringing me and Wrinkles to the Smith Haven Mall to walk around, not to buy anything, just to educate the curious passerby of Wrinkles' story and the Pit Bull reputation in general. Although, sometimes it would seem like my grandfather is bragging, he isn't. The pride he feels of his dogs is immense and he is eager to tell anyone about their excellent demeanor, their extreme intelligence, and any anecdote he think of to punctuate the point, anecdotes of which he has a lifetime full of. So I encourage you, if you see Wrinkles and my grandfather around town or at the mall, walk up and ask about the dogs. Ask for a business card. Ask him what he thinks of the reputation Pit Bulls have in the media. Ask him any question and I'm sure he will be glad to answer. For answering these questions isn't a waste of time for him, it is what he wants to do. He wants to educate the public and hopefully pass on his thoughts to anyone with two ears and an appreciation for the camaraderie of canines. Also, if you have a story to share about your dog, whether its a Chihuahua or a Huskie, contact us and tell us about it. We can only hope your life has been blessed as much as ours has by our wonderful, intelligent, loving Wrinkles.
-Thomas Collaro
May 2011
May 2011