New ! Prayer blankets, made with prayer, each stitch a conduit for comfort, hope and well being. Hand made with love, packed with a prayer for the recipient.

Please e-mail for ordering information rhonda@thehigherleash.net

Cost is $ 25.00 with any profits to benefit the foster dogs here at The Higher Leash.

If you have a rescued bull terrier that you would like to have a prayer blanket for, please let me know. I will send one at no charge. 

                   About Scooter

In April, 2006, a rescue angel in Ohio, Carolyn, called about a little bull terrier that was dropped on a strangers front porch. The little bull terrier was about 8-10 # and could not stand up on his front legs. The kind person took him to his work place, a veterinary clinic, and home with him at night, then called bull terrier rescue.

The little bully was picked up and ultimately brought to me in Illinois.

He was dubbed " Scooter ", as thats the way he got around. Sliding his front legs on his elbows, which were on the floor, as if he couldn't stand up. What a handsome little boy he was !! Able to move about anywhere he wanted to go and full of such a happy spirit !

A friend made the trip tio Indianapolis to meet Carolyn from Ohio and brought him home. He had no teeth and weighd about 10 #.

Scooter and I visited our local veterinarian, who examined and x-rayed him. Sadly, the prognosis was not good. We were refered to an orthopedic surgeon about 45 miles from home. We made that appointment, and were pleasantly greeted at the new clinic. Sadly, again, we were told, " there's nothing I can do for this dog". We were scheduled to meet the orthopedic professor at  the University of Illinois, a well respected Dr. in our vicinity. X-rays in hand, along with Scooters vet tech friend, to help explain any medical jargon I was afraid I wouldn't grasp, we met. After several hours of talking, examinations and consultations, we were told the options. Surgery was a possiblity. Several surgeries in fact, would be necessary. The recuperation period would be long and difficult, especially considering he was only a few months old and full of energy. At the end of the the procedures, if all went as well as hoped for, his front legs would be straightened out, but then they wouldn't bend !! So, I thought, after all that pain and dis-comfort for him, how would that be any better !! ?? How would he manage with front legs that wouldn't bend at the elbows ?

 I took the wait and see approach. Scooter has always been able to navigate anything he wants to do, he's very active and he's happy. Why put him through this pain when he would not gain a "normal" function ?

Now, a year later, I'm convinced he is better off to not have had the surgeries. However, due to his elbows on the ground surface, I can't allow him access to many places other than the grassy yard and the indoors. His life to limited to those areas. If he had a front cart, which he could wheel around with his elbows off the ground surface, he could visit outside and away from home, explore and enjoy the world beyond. Scooter loves everybody and everything that enters our home. His spirit is so happy and grateful. He thinks other dogs and the new kitten walk funny ! 

Scooter weighs more than 30 # and has a mouthful of teeth now. He has to eat many small meals each day, due to the the position of his body. Too much, too fast, it comes right back up. ( or down actually). Our home is all totally flat, no steps. The outside deck is 2 " off the ground, which makes his life here and his activities possible.

Scooter is a racing fan too, especially midget cars and Nascar races.

Tony Stewart is one of his favorite drivers. On July 20, 2007, Tony was in Scooter's neighborhood,  racing at a local track,( Macon Speedway, Illinois) . Tony Stewart was kind enough to autograph Scooter's picture !! We have copies of Scooter's autographed pictured we would be happy to send you with all donations being used to help buy Scooter his front cart.

More info to come soon when it's advertised on E-Bay !

Scooter's friend, Cheryl,  has made a new and larger # 20 cape for him. As you can see he has outgrown the first one !

Also - great news !! A caring couple in Wisconsin has offered to pay for a cart for Scooter !! We've been doing the measurments and will soon take pictures and video for the manufacturer.

I bet he'll be doing wheelies in his cart !