FRIDA
CATEGORY: Physical Maladies
STATUS: Adopted.
SHELTER: Rescued from Thailand.
BTS: YES
SHOOT DATES: ALL
BACK UP: YES
EXPLANATION OF DISABILITY: Broken back with paralysis of lower half of hind legs, able to walk with prosthetic braces.
BEHAVIORAL ISSUES: Fearful of loud noises, and can be timid if people come up to her quickly.
INTERVIEW: YES
GUARDIAN: Lisa Chong
BIO
From paralyzed to walking again, a Thai street dog named Frida shares her global message that with love, a dream, and determination, miracles are possible! She was found pulling her lifeless body across a busy street in Chiang Mai. The flesh and bones from her hind paws were worn away. A devastating fracture of her spine left her with paralysis of her hind legs, infected wounds, and incontinence. Despite this, she had a gentle temperament and a fighting spirit to survive. Frida came home to California four months after her rescue.
With intensive rehabilitation and a prosthetic wing design by Derrick Campana from Bionic Pets, star of Wizard of Paws, Frida’s visions of running in her dreams are made a reality. Two years after her rescue, she took her first steps and left her wheels behind! She is featured in Season 2 of Wizard of Paws, The Frida Episode. Her miraculous story has also been featured in The LA times twice, The OC Register, and Locale Magazine. She is also featured in a book called “Owning a Paralyzed Dog- The Complete Care guide” by Coral Drake.
Frida has become the inspiration for The Frida Project, a non-profit organization, dedicated to raise awareness about street dog rescue and to provide assistance to families who have pets in need of mobility devices. She is an ambassador in our community and represents recovery from physical and emotional trauma leading to acceptance and trust in humanity again.
Our hero Frida is named after the artist Frida Kahlo who famously said, “Feet, what do I need you for if I have wings to fly?” Love, resilience, and the belief that all things are possible have given our hero the wings to fly.
