According to Winnie's previous owners, she started showing signs of paralysis and back discomfort in the fall of 2001. Because of limited resources, the vet continually prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and crate rest.

Upon her surrender to Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue on June 9, 2002 (9 months later), Winnie was almost completely paralyzed; scooting around via dragging her butt, but able to feel slight discomfort. Note: Indications of pain are signs that the dog's illness may be reversible in that there is still communication between the brain and the spinal cord.

June 10th, her surgery was performed by the neurologist and one week later, Winnie was once again walking! To this day, if it were not for her big, bald, scar-faced back, you would never know that she even had such problems.

Winnie will always need special care in hoping to prevent another episode with her back; keeping her weight down, preventing her from going down stairs and excessive jumping will all be helpful but, because this disease is so prevalent in Dachshunds, will never be guarantees.