Mario joined Last Hope after he was hit by a car in the Davenport, Iowa area in early April 2023. Although Mario is partially paralyzed with very limited use of his back legs and hind end in general, he is a healthy and happy dog with lots of zest for life – he just needs to match himself with the right humans to help him on his journey! He is changing and improving every day, so the future is bright for him! Mario has blossomed in our care, and we have learned lots about him including his love for sunbathing and being outside in general! He loves people of all ages, is friendly and curious with all animals, enjoys a good bubble bath where he can soak his feet, and then will gladly roll around on a shag carpet all day long.  Mario is also quite the foodie, and enjoys snacks such as watermelon, sardines, and ice cubes!  Mario truly enjoys being where his family is, he does not want to be left behind or miss out on any of the action. He would not be an ideal match for someone that is gone long hours every day.  He is also not a fan of storms or fireworks and does take calming medication for anticipated loud events like this.  Mario will be happy to be crated when he is left alone, and he does currently wear a diaper or belly band for elimination.

Mario is an ideal candidate for a foster-to-adopt scenario, this will allow the rescue to continue to support Mario’s new family as he settles in and they become familiar with his care.  Mario has had diagnostics and imaging, he is currently receiving ongoing chiropractic and acupuncture care with Dr Christine Woodford in the Cedar Rapids, IA area and takes anti-inflammatory pain medication daily. Mario will require care that includes lifting him for grooming/bathing (he is approx. 50 pounds), monitoring his skin for lesions/abrasions, and cleaning/providing wound care as needed (this could be on his belly or underside from urine or moisture, or on his legs, feet, and tail from dragging his hind end as he tries to walk.  Mario is starting to regain some feeling and muscle tone, he is not yet able to fully empty his bladder without assistance.  He can be manually expressed 3-4 times a day, and a more thorough expression can be done every other day to fully empty his bladder (this is something that is very easy to do and that we can easily train a person on!) Mario is a good candidate for a wheelchair or cart, this is something that Last Hope will provide for him!

Mario’s adoption fee is $250 and includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations and preventives, a microchip with free lifetime registration, and a free obedience class.

If you think you have the right home for this great guy and want to meet him, please complete an adoption application HERE.