Wendover Woods: Dog walk turns into nightmare after pet's injury

Dog owner and RAF Defence Trainer Jonathon has shared how his nine-year-old Spinoni cross retriever Miley injured her back during an everyday walk in Wendover Woods in July last year.

RAF Defence Trainer Jonathon, whose surname cannot be revealed because of his work, loves walking in the woods with his wife Sarah and Miley to manage stress and stay mindful.

Jonathon recalled every dog owner’s worst nightmare which happened while Miley was playing with one of her favourite balls: "When in the Wendover Woods and after about 10 minutes of playing she sprinted after the ball, it bounced to the right and as she turned I saw her slide on her rear end in the seating position, at the same time she yelped.”

Miley suffered a 'horrific' injury in Wendover Woods (Image: Animal News Agency)

"At first I thought she had burned her behind on the ground as it was dry, but when I saw her trying to get up I then realised it was something more serious. When I got to her, she could only move her front legs, but not her rear legs.

"A kind gentleman heard this happen as he was just in front of us and asked if I wanted help. He helped carry her while I also phoned the vets to get booked in.

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"It was a traumatic experience carrying Miley to our house which was a mile away. Thoughts of losing her kept invading my mind.

“Without Miley there is no way I would be able to cope, she has been my mindfulness and support from the stresses of my job, my relaxation when walking and my everything she keeps both myself and my wife going and gets us both out the house.

Jonathon wasn't sure if he was ever going to see the energic and lovable Miley dog alive again after rushing her to the vets (Image: Animal News Agency)

He urgently rushed Miley to the vets, who said “it was not good” after seeing the injured canine with deep pain in her back paws stopping her from moving them.

A specialist vet’s diagnosis was “horrific” – a painful raptured spine also known as an explosive disc herniation.

Jonathon said: "On the first night we had to leave her and we were unsure if that would be the last time we would get to see her alive.

"The vets called later in the morning, and confirmed she did not need surgery but it was a long road to recovery.”

Miley’s injury affected the couple’s health too as the usually happy and energetic dog was out of action.

Sarah found a canine rehabilitation centre which offered hydrotherapy, where Miley attended regular sessions for the next six months to get her back on her paws.

Despite the progress, Miley struggled to go on long walks which she usually loved and started to gain weight.

A chance encounter with another dog walking couple led to Miley starting to eat a collagen supplement to help with muscle regeneration, which is a popular human beauty supplement to help with skin and connective tissues.

"Miley had now been signed off from physio but with scheduled check-ups every 3 months and we can now go for 90 minute walks now with ease. Miley will always have a slight limp while walking now but we are just happy to have her back happy, excitable and full of energy, but most of all being able to walk freely and enjoy life,” Jonathon added.