Paralyzed Dachshund 'Running' Alongside His Sister Is Bringing Everyone To Tears

While it's true that most dogs enjoy going for a walk, some dogs are so enthusiastic that they bounce up and down in delight. Monty the dachshund is one such dog. "Nobody enjoys a walk like Monty does. It is insane sometimes how much he will bounce and how excited he is," Monty's owner explained to The Dodo in a video that's been viewed more than 174,000 times. "It is so comical to see a dog that is just so locked into joy."

After Monty's owner had owned the happy little wiener dog for six years, one day the pup was suddenly unable to walk. A veterinarian confirmed a diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Disease. Monty, however, didn't let his disease slow him down one bit. In the video, he's shown joyfully bouncing along in a stroller while his doggy sister, Lola, runs beside him. Monty also gets around in a wheelchair, and sometimes, he simply drags his back legs behind him. "By far his favorite is being in the stroller. He's bouncing up and down. His tongue is hanging out," his owner said.

Many viewers of the YouTube video commented on Monty's resilience, energy, and beautiful spirit. "I love how happy he is to just be out and about and express his happiness by doing his bouncy walk. He's adorable," one wrote. "This dog's positivity should be an inspiration to humans," another added.

Intervertebral disc disease happens when the cushioning discs that function as shock absorbers between a dog's vertebrae become damaged. If the discs bulge or rupture, then the dog experiences pain and nerve damage. The unluckiest pups, like Monty, become paralyzed. Certain dog breeds are prone to IVDD, such as dachshunds, beagles, and basset hounds, with their short little legs and long backs. Symptoms of IVDD include limping, stumbling, weakness, pain, anxious behavior, and incontinence. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, go immediately to a vet for a diagnosis and treatment.

As Monty demonstrates, even a dog with IVDD and paralyzed back legs can still live a life filled with joy and fun. "It's like every bit of energy that's supposed to run his back legs has just been added to the front instead! SprrROinG!! SprrROinG!!!" one viewer commented on the YouTube video. Another wrote, "If you have sadness over this, the dog doesn't." What dachshunds like Monty lack in physical size, they more than make up for in character — common personality traits of dachshunds include courage, confidence, and determination. They also happen to be one of the most stubborn dogs.

Want more stories about cute and sassy wiener dogs? Check out this dachshund with an adorable post-doggy-daycare routine, and this nervous two-legged dachshund making his runway debut wearing the sweetest little heart-covered denim outfit.