This week, we’re introducing you to some of the travel industry’s favourite furry friends.
Each day this week, you’ll get to meet a very loyal member of the animal kingdom and their travel industry owners!
Say hello to Leo the brave little Dachshund.
His owner is Tina Mcintosh, managing director of Busabout.
Here is Tina and Leo’s story.
Leo was sitting out the front of Woolies when I fell in love with him.
When his previous ‘fur-parent’ returned from shopping we got talking and she mentioned that she was looking for a new home for Leo.
That was five years ago and the rest is history.
Three months after settling Leo into his new forever home, he slipped a disk in his back and became instantly paralysed.
We raced him to hospital and opted for life-saving spinal surgery.
After 12 months he slowly regained his ability to walk again.
We call it the drunk walk because he stumbles around and loses his footing sometimes, but he’s independent and a happy dog now.
Rehab included hydrotherapy, massage and pushing him around in a pram until we progressed to doggie wheels.
We tried everything to give him the best chance of recovery.
I co-parent Leo with my mum because caring for Leo is a full-time job with his special needs.
Leo has taught me about how resilience and determination can move mountains.
He has also taught me never to give up because sometimes miracles just do happen with enough love, patience and support from your friends and family.
I believe that dogs choose their parents and Leo found us when he needed us the most.
His love is unconditional and my life has been so much richer since he came into it.
