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Best of 2022: This lovable dog doesn’t know he’s paralyzed

Fernando thinks he’s Mario Andretti

As the year comes to a close, our editors have dug into the archives to highlight some of the stories you enjoyed the most in 2022.

Remember this amazing dog Kelowna10 met eight months ago who stole the hearts of the city?

We checked in with his foster family, and they informed us that he is still looking for his forever family.

Consider bringing home a lovable new family member this holiday season by applying online at flyingdogscanada.com.


‘Hot Wheels’ Fernando may have been paralyzed in a tragic accident but that hasn’t slowed down the lovable hound who is looking for a forever home.

Fernando is from Catemaco, Mexico, where he was hit by a truck on a highway. Crawling to a nearby ditch, rainwater kept him alive for days before rescue crews found him.

Flying Dogs Canada brought him to Canada, where he’s now in the foster care of Jonathan and Melissa Sinclair who fell in love with his spirit.

“He doesn’t know he’s paralyzed. He doesn’t let that become a downer for him or affect his personality,” Melissa told Kelowna10. “He tries to do everything every other dog does. He doesn’t think he’s at all different.”

Her background in veterinary care and Jonathan’s experience in agility training dogs equipped them to foster canines, which they’ve been doing since before moving to Kelowna about seven years ago.

After coming to Canada, Fernando had regular rehab appointments. While he developed strength and mobility, the reality is that his back legs will be paralyzed for life.

Despite his limitations, the mellow dog still loves going fast with his wheelchair outdoors or around the house, propped up on his two front legs.

Their home required minimal modification for him except for mats and carpets because sometimes he’d turn corners too fast and slip.

“We put the yoga mat down and he’s just like Mario Andretti going round there now,” Jonathan said.

He does need assistance urinating by gently squeezing his stomach. Melissa pointed out that while that may deter some potential owners, the plus side is he won’t pee in the house, it’s easy, and you can choose the spot.

Fernando can communicate when he needs to go ‘number one’, by approaching the front door. He can handle going ‘number two’ on his own.

Keynotes of his personality are his friendliness, his love of toys, his cuddliness, and his determination.

“The beautiful thing about him is he tries so hard. That’s what the rescue saw in him and that’s what we’ve seen in him,” Jonathan said. “I don’t think it’s going to stop anytime soon.”

The key to Fernando’s heart is strategically placed scratches - namely places where his back legs would normally reach.

Key areas to target include under his chin and behind his ears. Melissa demonstrated how massaging the right part of his head made him fall asleep on her lap.

“He is such an amazing dog. I just hope he goes to an amazing quality home, “Melissa said. “What he’s been through in life, he definitely deserves it and I think a family deserves him too. Because he just brought so much fun to our lives.”

Those interested in adopting Fernando can begin the application process on flyingdogscanada.com.

Published 2022-04-11 by David Hanson

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