Before you dive into Pumpkin’s incredible story, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Tammie for sharing both the beautiful and incredibly difficult parts of this journey with us.
Get your tissues ready for a story of love, determination, strength, and hope. ❤️
What began as one small puppy fighting for a chance at life grew into something far bigger than anyone could have imagined — a movement helping thousands of disabled animals and the people who love them.
Pumpkin’s story is emotional, inspiring, heartbreaking at times, and ultimately full of hope. We are so grateful to Tammie and Pumpkin for trusting us with their story, and I hope it reminds readers that disability does not mean a life without joy, purpose, or love.
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– Nicole from Dogster
We met Pumpkin when she was just 8 weeks old, and from the very moment we saw her, we were completely in love. She was tiny, full of personality, and had a spark in her eyes that instantly captured our hearts. There was something so special about her, something we couldn’t quite explain, but we knew she was meant to be part of our lives.
But very quickly, we realised Pumpkin came with challenges.
She couldn’t use her back legs. She had no control over her bladder or bowels. Things that most people take for granted suddenly became part of our daily reality. It was overwhelming, confusing, and at times, incredibly frightening. We didn’t have the answers, and we didn’t know what the future would hold.
We turned to the professionals for guidance, trusting that they would help us make the right decisions for Pumpkin.
But instead, we were met with heartbreak.
Six different vets told us the same thing: that Pumpkin was suffering, that she had no quality of life, and that the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep. Over and over again, we were made to feel like we were being selfish… like we were cruel for wanting to give her a chance.
Not one of them spoke about possibilities. Not one of them mentioned support. Not one of them discussed scans, wheelchairs, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation.
We were left feeling completely alone.
But when I looked into Pumpkin’s eyes, I didn’t see suffering.
I saw joy. I saw determination. I saw a little dog who wasn’t ready to give up on life.
And I knew in that moment… neither were we.
Refusing to Give Up
So instead of giving up, I turned to social media. I shared Pumpkin’s story, not really knowing what would come from it, just hoping someone, somewhere, might understand or be able to help.
What happened next changed everything.
Her story spread across the world. Messages poured in from people who had walked similar paths, people who believed in her, people who offered advice, kindness, and hope. And then, something incredible happened: a veterinary specialist reached out and offered to help.
Pumpkin was given an MRI.
The results were devastating.
Her spine had been broken. Her spinal cord had been completely severed. The injury was caused by severe trauma before she ever came into our lives. It was the kind of diagnosis that stops your world in its tracks. The kind of news that takes your breath away.
We were told she would never walk again.
But despite everything… Pumpkin wasn’t in pain.
She was paralysed from just above her waist and was doubly incontinent, but she was not suffering. She was still the same bright, happy, loving little dog we had fallen in love with.
And that changed everything.
Because this was no longer about what she couldn’t do. It became about everything she could do.
Pumpkin never gave up.
And neither did we.
Her care is intensive, and it requires commitment, patience, and love every single day. We manually express her bladder and bowels every three hours, ensuring she stays comfortable and healthy. She wears nappies, which we carefully manage to keep her clean and prevent infections.
She has weekly physiotherapy sessions and red laser therapy to help maintain her strength, particularly in her front limbs, which are vital for her mobility. Every part of her care is about giving her the best possible quality of life, and watching her thrive makes every moment worth it.
Pumpkin now lives her life on wheels.
Her wheelchair didn’t take anything away from her, it gave her everything back.
Freedom. Independence. Adventure.
She runs, she plays, she explores the world with a determination that inspires everyone who meets her. She doesn’t see herself as disabled. She doesn’t feel sorry for herself. She simply lives.
And she lives fully.
She is not just surviving.
She is thriving.
At just 9 months old, Pumpkin became a certified therapy dog, a milestone that still fills us with pride. Despite everything she had been through, she was now helping others.
She visits care homes, schools, universities, and workplaces, bringing smiles, comfort, and education wherever she goes. She teaches people about disability, resilience, and kindness without saying a single word.
People don’t just see a disabled dog when they meet Pumpkin.
They see possibility.
Before Pumpkin came into our lives, I had never seen a dog in a wheelchair. I had never seen a dog wearing a nappy. And if I’m completely honest, I probably judged what I didn’t understand.
Pumpkin changed that.
She didn’t just change our lives, she changed our perspective.
She opened our eyes to a world we didn’t know existed. A world full of incredible animals who are overlooked simply because they are different. A world where families are struggling, often in silence, trying to do their best without support or guidance.
And that’s why we knew we had to do more.
How Pumpkin Started a Movement (Literally)
In June 2022, I founded Pumpkin & Friends Charity (1199484).
What started with one small dog and a determination to fight for her life has grown into something so much bigger than we ever imagined.
Since then, we have helped change the lives of over 4,600 disabled animals.
We provide essential equipment like wheelchairs, harnesses, and strollers, giving animals their mobility, their independence, and their joy back. But we don’t just support the animals.
We support the families, too.
Because we know how overwhelming it can be, we know how lonely it can feel. We know how important it is to have someone who understands.
We offer emotional support, guidance, and financial assistance where possible, ensuring no family feels like they have to face this journey alone.
Because they shouldn’t have to.
Behind everything we do is a team of incredible people, our trustees and volunteers. Every single one of them shares the same passion, the same understanding, and the same belief:
That disabled animals deserve a chance.
That they deserve love, care, and a life full of happiness.
Together, we share a dream.
A dream to create the Pumpkin & Friends Animal Retreat & Respite Centre, a safe, loving sanctuary designed specifically for disabled animals and their families.
A place where families can leave their beloved pets, knowing they are in expert, caring hands while they take a much-needed break.
A place where unwanted disabled animals can come, be rehabilitated, and find their forever homes.
And for those who can’t be rehomed, a place where they will be loved, cared for, and given a life full of dignity.
This isn’t just a dream.
It’s a necessity.
Because right now, too many disabled animals are losing their lives simply because people don’t understand them, or don’t have the support they need to care for them.
That has to change.
And we are determined to be part of that change.
Pumpkin is the reason all of this exists.
She is more than just a dog.
She is a symbol of hope. A voice for the voiceless. A reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Because having a disability isn’t a death sentence.
And Pumpkin proves that every single day. ❤️♿
Pumpkin Power
