Cranberry, the English Bulldog, walks the walk

Every day The Pet Realty Network receives requests for housing information for displaced pets due to the Short Sale/Foreclosure crisis, publicity for a particular Shelter, real estate information for buying and selling properties, and the list goes on. However, yesterday I received a press release from a PR and Advertising graduate student at DePaul University in Chicago working with the Chicago English Bulldog Rescue (CEBR) (http://www.ebullymatch.com/) to implement various media plans in order to spread the message of pet adoption, particularly English Bulldogs.

The Press Release was about Cranberry and I had to share part of it – not just because living in England I grew up watching a particular English Bulldog called Henry play with my dog in Hyde Park but because it shows how a group of people can come together to help a dog.

On Dec. 5, 2010, a 15-week-old bully pup now known as Cranberry embarked on a journey most dogs will never experience. Cranberry suffered from a congenital defect, which has caused severe deformity to her front legs, requiring special orthopedic care. As a result, over the past few months, many have banded together—pilots, surgeons, specialists and other volunteers—to ensure that this puppy with special needs receives the surgery and aftercare she requires.

Cranberry’s zest for life in her pint-sized body has spurred thousands of people to support her on Facebook and has mobilized not only The Chicago English Bulldog Rescue’s network, but volunteers from other organizations that want to see her live a fun life. She truly has a cult-like fan following. 

Currently, Cranberry is getting therapy five days a week. She receives four sessions a day at home, which includes electro-stimulation therapy that requires her to be hooked up to electrodes that send a healing current through the damaged parts of her body. She then gets range of motion and stretching therapy.

Cranberry after her surgery

English Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and it is so good to see the people in Cranberry’s life are loyal in return.