Rescue Warriors Corporation, a no kill animal rescue association, highly disagreed.
They found Cole at the highkill shelter and took him into their own hands.
It was then when Kimberly Boshold, of Palatine, and her boyfriend, Kevin, saw a picture of the pup on Rescue Warrior’s Facebook page and were drawn to him immediately.
 |
| Kimberly and Kevin with Cole and Keke |
“When we picked Cole up from Rescue Warriors to foster him, we knew almost immediately that we were going to adopt him – he was the most perfect dog,” said Boshold, 24.
Not having any prior experience raising a differently abled dog, Boshold did everything she could to prepare for his unique upbringing.
“Since the day Cole came into our lives, I hit the ground running,” said Boshold, a professional hairstylist and colorist. “I Googled day and night to gather as much information on anything that could help Cole and his needs. ”
Boshold knew she and Kevin would encounter some difficulties with Cole, including that the couple lives in a second floor apartment.
“Cole obviously can’t get down the stairs by himself, so we have to carry him down,” said Boshold. “Cole loves being outside, so Kevin and I work together to make sure he gets out as much as possible.”
The recent winter weather nor his disability has not stopped Cole from enjoying his favorite activities like playing with his sister, a German Sheppard mix, Keke.
“Cole and Keke are best friends. They sleep on each other, play constantly and give each other kisses,” said Boshold, who credits Cole for inspiring her to never give up and to focus on the things in life that truly matter. “It’s amazing to see the bond that Cole and Keke have formed in such a short amount of time.”
 |
| Cole and his sister, Keke |
Aside from getting along perfectly with his sister, Cole has also easily adapted to his own life.
“Having no front legs is all Cole knows. He can do everything a ‘normal dog’ can do just in a different way,” said Boshold, who enrolled Cole in a therapy program to help build his strength.
Currently Cole is in an eight-week hydrotherapy program that varies from massages, chiropractic work, exercise therapy and an underwater treadmill.
“Therapy helps to strengthen Cole’s back legs and to ease his spine. The goal is to get Cole’s core strong, so he can better support himself and possibly walk upright one day.” said Boshold, who found Integrative Pet Care and Natural Healing Whole Dog Wellness through a recommendation from another Chicagoan pit bull owner.
Along with going to therapy to make life easier for Cole, he also has his own custom wheelchair, allowing him to get around better.
“Cole really likes his cart because it keeps his back straight and it’s custom fit for him, so it is comfortable,” said Boshold, who ordered it from Eddie’s Wheels, a mom and pop shop helping handicapped dogs nationwide. “Cole is in his cart for about one or two hours a day. When he is outside or around other dogs, Cole really excels in his cart.”
In his cart, or jumping around, Cole is a very happy puppy. Just take a look at his popular Instagram account and Facebook page.
“For those who are thinking about adopting a dog with a disability, open your heart and do it. It can be expensive at times, but it’s so rewarding.,” said Boshold. “Cole makes everyday better.”
Currently Cole is in an eight-week hydrotherapy program that varies from massages, chiropractic work, exercise therapy and an underwater treadmill.
“Therapy helps to strengthen Cole’s back legs and to ease his spine. The goal is to get Cole’s core strong, so he can better support himself and possibly walk upright one day.” said Boshold, who found Integrative Pet Care and Natural Healing Whole Dog Wellness through a recommendation from another Chicagoan pit bull owner.
 |
| Cole and his set of custom wheels |
Along with going to therapy to make life easier for Cole, he also has his own custom wheelchair, allowing him to get around better.
“Cole really likes his cart because it keeps his back straight and it’s custom fit for him, so it is comfortable,” said Boshold, who ordered it from Eddie’s Wheels, a mom and pop shop helping handicapped dogs nationwide. “Cole is in his cart for about one or two hours a day. When he is outside or around other dogs, Cole really excels in his cart.”
In his cart, or jumping around, Cole is a very happy puppy. Just take a look at his popular Instagram account and Facebook page.
“For those who are thinking about adopting a dog with a disability, open your heart and do it. It can be expensive at times, but it’s so rewarding.,” said Boshold. “Cole makes everyday better.”
