The Dog Mobility Project

“Why bother?”

It’s a question that echoes far too often in exam rooms across the country when a pet becomes paralyzed or disabled. Not out loud, always, but it’s there. Implied in the raised eyebrows, the quick jump to euthanasia, and the lack of options presented. It’s a quiet, systemic failure that leaves far too many animals without the chance they deserve. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

At the root of this failure is a widespread and dangerous misconception: that paralysis or physical disability equals suffering. That a pet who can’t walk shouldn’t live. And that nothing more can be done.

The truth is far different.

Paralysis Is Not a Death Sentence

As a pet parent, I want you to know that paralyzed pets are capable of living long, fulfilling lives. Just because your dog can no longer walk on its own does not mean their life is over. It just means that now they need your help to get back on their feet. If you give them the right support, your dog will walk again; they just might need some wheels. With the right support, adaptive equipment, and veterinary care, your dog can run in wheelchairs, climb into laps, and express the same love and excitement as any other dog.

But the path to that life is often blocked, not by the injury itself, but by outdated assumptions and a lack of education. Pet parents trust their veterinarian to give them the best advice possible, and it’s heartbreaking when a pet professional doesn’t offer a solution beyond euthanasia.

The Knowledge Gap in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary schools do an excellent job of preparing students for a wide range of medical situations, but when it comes to long-term care for disabled pets, the education is often minimal at best. Most vets receive little to no training in mobility solutions, rehabilitation, or assistive devices. As a result, many leave school without ever seeing a happy, thriving disabled pet.

Instead, disability is too often framed as the end of the road. Something to mourn, rather than something to adapt to. This gap leads to real harm and ends countless animals lives every year. Healthy, disabled pets are euthanized every day simply because no alternatives are offered. Not because it’s the only choice, but because it’s the only one mentioned.

Pet Parents Deserve Better Options

For pet parents, a diagnosis of paralysis or degenerative disease can be overwhelming. Without guidance or exposure to success stories, it’s easy to believe that euthanasia is the kindest option. And while every pet and situation is unique, the decision should come from a place of knowledge—not fear or misinformation.

Veterinarians should be partners in exploring every option available, from physical therapy and mobility aids to in-home care strategies and quality-of-life planning. These conversations should be compassionate, informed, and rooted in the belief that a disabled pet deserves to live the best life possible.

Pet parents, don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if your veterinarian isn’t able to answer them, do your own research and bring it back to your vet to ask their opinion. (This happens a lot.) If you’re still not satisfied, it’s ok to get a second opinion. And I encourage you to get one. Most vets are general practitioners, which means they have studied a wide range of topics over the years, but likely didn’t specialize in canine mobility. Luckily, there are plenty of experts around. Depending on the nature of your dog’s condition, consider consulting a canine neurologist, a specialist in spinal care, a rehabilitation expert, or an orthopedic surgeon. These are all highly specialized, and they can offer you a completely different perspective than your regular veterinarian. They also see far more paralyzed pets each year than your average general practitioner does.

You know your dog better than anyone, if your dog still has the will to live and you know it isn’t their time, don’t give up. Euthanasia is one option, but it isn’t your only one.

Changing the Conversation

At The Dog Mobility Project, we’re committed to shifting the narrative around disabled pets. We advocate for better education within the veterinary profession and provide resources for pet parents navigating the challenges of mobility loss. We’ve seen firsthand how resilient and joyful these animals can be when given a chance.

Paralysis doesn’t mean life is over. It just means life moves forward differently.

So when someone asks, “Why bother?”—we answer clearly: Because they’re still here. Because they still love. Because they still matter.