Johanna Turns 9 Today!

[Paul Coover]

Johanna turns 9 years old today!

Johanna is such a special girl. Her story is nothing short of amazing.




Johanna is from Tennessee. In October of 2004, she was attacked by 3 teenage boys with baseball bats. She was severely injured from the attack. The nerves in her spinal column were severed, leaving her permanently disabled. She was left incontinent, just going whenever and wherever she goes. Her owner was very angry at this, so she was chained outside in the mud until April 2005.




Finally, she was rescued from this horrible life. Her feet on her back legs were left infected from being dragged through the mud for 7 months, so several of her toes had to be amputated. But her situation was about to get much better. A woman from Fryburg, Maine decided to take in Johanna, who was formerly named Boo.



Upon her arrival at the Portland airport, the local news was there to greet her. Her story was broadcast on the television news as well as on the radio and on the internet. A class of 4th graders from a school in Oklahoma learned of Johanna and her inability to walk, so they raised over $400 for the purchase of a wheelchair cart. Now, Johanna would have her freedom back!



The Fryburg woman had 10 dogs and 7 children in her household, so it made it difficult to give Johanna the attention that she needed to treat her still healing legs. So, she contacted me to ask if I would be able to take her. I agreed, and I left for Portland to get Johanna.



Now, one would think that because of her experiences Johanna would be very nervous and fearful. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. She is the happiest dog that I have ever seen. She loves all people and other dogs. She is truly inspiring. Johanna helped me to realize that dachshund rescue is what I was born to do. I was destined to give her a home, and she was destined to inspire me to help more dogs like her.



Her story was immortalized when we were interviewed by Channel 7 news in Boston in August of 2006. Her story was viewed by thousands of people. She has also been featured on the Portland Maine Television news as well as the Portland Press Herald, The Bangor Daily News, and the Calais Advertiser Newspapers. She was also the Happy Tails feature in the April 2009 Dog Fancy Magazine. I just know that her story of survival will inspire more people to help out handicapped animals all over the country and all over the world. Johanna is one of a kind.



In May 2008 Johanna had worn out her cart, so Kathy Barton's class went and bought her a brand new cart! Johanna now has a new set of wheels!





This past summer Johanna broke one of her legs and it had to be amputated. Now she has 3 legs, but she is still her cart driving self!

[Lowriders in Ohio]

What a beautiful and inspiring story!  Wonderful pictures.  Hapy Birthday Johanna!

[papbouv]

Very glad you have found your forever home and your wonderful care givers Happy Birthday Johanna hope you have many more.

[JetEd73]

Paul

Your a better man than I am. I don't think I could care for her as well as you have.

You've done a great job bro. Hats off to ya.

[Merion]

Happy Birthday Johanna!!!!!!
It is really wonderful that you found this wonderful home and great owners after your start in life!!!
Hope you got lots of treats and belly rubs for your special day!
Merion & the ZZ's

[cheryl186]

HAPPY HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JOHANNA!!!!  YOU ARE AMAZING   HOPE YOU GOT LOTS OF SNUGGLES AND TREATIES ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY!!

[peterparker]

Her story breaks my heart. She is my hero. I am so glad she has found her forever home. Just wish it was sooner. Happy Barkday Joanna.

[klsb]

Happy Birthday Johanna! Your story brought tears to my eyes, your truly an amazing pupper! So are your people! They are amazing people though, not puppers...