Canine companions possess an extraordinary aura that can brighten up any space with their positive energy. They have an innate ability to uplift our spirits and transform our lives with their charming personalities. It’s awe-inspiring to observe how even those who’ve experienced immense cruelty or neglect radiate forgiveness and love with ease. In essence, dogs embody pure love, and with proper care and affection, they can achieve remarkable feats.
Kardi is an incredible dog that has managed to turn her life around with the love she has received. Although her life started off on a sad note, everything changed when she met Kelsey, who gave her the affection and attention she deserved. This was the turning point for Kardi and her life took a positive turn. According to Kelsey, the proud dog mom, Kardi’s story is truly inspiring.
On October 11, 2012, my life changed when I met Kardi. I rescued her from a breeder who no longer wanted her and had her spayed at two years old. She had spent most of her first two years of life confined in a cage.
Initially, Kardi was quite timid and apprehensive, but she soon adapted to her surroundings and became more comfortable. She accompanied me wherever I went, and as I was pursuing my degree, she socialized with a lot of new people. Kardi embodies the quintessential French bulldog, amusing and jester-like in her behavior. Her presence never fails to cheer people up, and her personality is incredibly goofy. Toys are Kardi’s passion, and she is rarely visible without one gripped in her jaws.
When she’s not engaged in playing with her toys, she finds solace in taking a nap. Moreover, she is deeply connected to me (her mother) that wherever I go, she follows me. She is frequently known as my duplicate and a true momma’s child.
When Kardi was in college, her friend’s brother passed away suddenly, leaving him in a state of immense suffering. Kardi comprehended that her friend needed someone to lean on during this tough time and she decided to be there for him. She spent hours with him, trying to cheer him up by bringing him toys and sitting beside him. Kardi was compassionate and empathetic towards her friend and her innate ability to comfort and support people made her an excellent therapy dog.
In 2015, Kelsey and Kardi became a certified therapy team after Kelsey noticed Kardi’s natural inclination towards therapy work. Kardi had a fondness for people of all ages but had a special talent for working with Alzheimer’s patients. Her technique involved nudging their hands to remind them to keep petting her, which brought many smiles to people in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, summer camps, and classrooms. However, that year was also tough for Kardi and Kelsey as Kardi was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which caused her to become paralyzed at the age of four. Unfortunately, she wasn’t a surgical candidate due to other medical issues, and she never regained the use of her hind legs. Despite this, Kardi remained happy and positive, even though she was permanently urinary and bowel incontinent.
Despite facing adversity, Kardi showed immense strength and resilience throughout her journey. Rather than feeling sorry for herself, she grew stronger and happier with each passing day. Despite being paralyzed, Kardi learned to maneuver herself on her front legs, and can now run faster than most people can walk. After a few months, a secret fund was set up at the vet clinic where her owners worked, and Kardi was gifted a pink Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair.
Since then, there has been no stopping Kardi. She took to her new wheels like a fish to water, and can often be seen zooming around in her wheelchair. While she prefers to scoot around the house without it, the wheelchair comes in handy for outdoor activities. Over time, Kardi has mastered several wheelchair skills, including going down steps, laying down, turning wide corners, and backing up.
Kardi has become something of a celebrity, thanks to her incredible spirit and zest for life. She has graced the pages of Walkin’ Pets calendars multiple times, and even won a Halloween costume contest dressed as a Budweiser Clydesdale. On another occasion, she was spotted pulling a cart with her sister Bonnie Rose, both dressed in matching costumes.
After adapting to her new set of wheels, Kardi faced another challenge – hereditary health issues due to poor breeding. In March 2020, an ultrasound confirmed that Kardi had transitional cell carcinoma (TCC/bladder cancer) after experiencing a UTI and blood in her urine which didn’t respond to antibiotics. Despite exploring many treatment options with Kardi’s internal medicine specialist, none were viable because of the adverse interactions with Kardi’s other medications. The diagnosis came as a crushing blow to Kelsey, who had dreamed of having Kardi at her wedding since getting engaged in September 2020. Given only 3-6 months to live, Kelsey was determined to give Kardi the best possible chance for a happy and fulfilling life. Through it all, Kardi’s strength and resilience shone through, inspiring Kelsey and teaching her valuable life lessons. Despite many ups and downs, Kelsey never doubted that Kardi would be by her side on her wedding day, and her husband shared her love for Kardi and her importance to their special day.
Kardi and Kelsey proved to be a resilient duo, exceeding the specialist’s expectations. Despite being given only three to six months to live, Kardi made it to her human’s wedding almost a year later, stealing the show as a flower girl in her wheelchair. Kardi’s journey shows that dogs are remarkable creatures that should never be underestimated. From being confined in a cage without love, Kardi has now overcome numerous obstacles with her human’s support, defying expectations and earning adoring fans. Kardi and her special needs sister Bonnie Rose are considered part of their family and accompany them everywhere they go, including their honeymoon. The love that Kelsey has for her dogs has given Kardi a life too big for a little cage.
Make sure to follow Kardi on her social media accounts, Facebook and Instagram, and send her some love and encouragement as she battles through her illness. An inspiring dog, Kardi accompanied her owner on her wedding day, defying the odds and surpassing her life expectancy after receiving a devastating diagnosis. Recently, Kelsey, Kardi’s owner, informed iHeartDogs that Kardi had peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge, two years after being given only a few months to live. Kardi fought hard with the unwavering support of her loved ones and lived a life that will serve as a beacon of hope to dog enthusiasts around the world. Kelsey shared the news on Facebook to inform those who had supported and cared for Kardi that she had passed away.
