Arie’s Story — A Journey of Strength, Faith, and Unbreakable Spirit
A new beginning
In 2018, Arie came into our lives.
A pedigree chocolate Dachshund, raised for six years by a loving owner who made the heartbreaking decision to let him go due to her circumstances. From the moment we met him, we knew he wasn’t just another dog — he was a fighter.
Small in body, but carrying a spirit far bigger than his size, Arie had a will that could not be contained. Stubborn, determined, full of life — he was everything a Dachshund is meant to be… and more. After a year with us, we learned that Arie was deaf....he adapted so well with the other dogs and reacted on our facial expressions and gestures that we did not realise it.
On the morning of 22 April 2023, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Arie did what he always did — ran outside, full of fire, ready to “defend his territory” against the neighbour’s dogs. It was his routine. His joy. His little daily battle. But that morning… something changed.
When he came back inside, something in me just knew. “Arie hurt his back.” Those words carried a weight no pet owner ever wants to feel. Within 24 hours, our strong, fearless little dog lost all sensation in his back legs.
We were walking a familiar road… again (please also go read Ruby's story on my Melworx Pets Facebook page - where all of this started in 2015).
Our hearts broke — not just because of Arie, but because we had walked this road before.
We knew what lay ahead: The uncertainty. The long nights. The quiet prayers. The fight for every small sign of hope.
This time, however, there was one difference.
We had learned, we were prepared and we had something new — a back brace that would become part of Arie’s journey from day one.
The fight to stand again
Those early days were filled with fragile hope. Partial bladder control and no movement in his back legs. A future that felt uncertain but Arie… was still Arie.
Three weeks later — he stood, with support of the brace and five weeks later — he walked. Not perfectly, not effortlessly, but he walked with support.
In that moment, we were reminded of something powerful: Healing doesn’t always come the way we expect — but it comes.
Living with strength, not limitation
The brace did not heal Arie but it gave him something just as valuable — freedom without fear. With the support keeping his spine aligned, Arie could:
- Move
- Explore
- Roll
- Even run again
Not because he was fully healed…but because he was supported.
And sometimes, that’s all any of us need.
A warrior’s journey continues
Today, Arie is turning 14 years old, a golden oldie, a survivor, a testament to resilience.
In October 2025, he faced another battle — a stroke. Once again… he fought back. He made a full recovery, but not without loss. For more than three months, his eye could not blink and eventually, we had to say goodbye to it. Even so — Arie never lost himself.
Still strong, still determined, still full of life and VERY feisty!
A miracle in the making
After months of vet visits, uncertainty, and careful care, the X-rays told a story we never dared to fully believe: His back had recovered beautifully. Not perfectly. Not as if nothing happened, but stronger than expected.
And in that moment, there was only one response in our hearts:
Glory to God!!
Wisdom was given. Strength was sustained and life against all odds continued.
A message of hope
If you are walking a difficult road with your pet right now… If you feel the weight of uncertainty…
Let Arie’s story remind you:
- Progress can be slow — but it is still progress
- Strength doesn’t always look perfect
- Support can change everything
- And hope… is never wasted
Sometimes the smallest bodies carry the greatest courage.
And sometimes, the deepest healing happens in ways we never expected.
Arie is not just a dog, he is a story of perseverance, a reminder of faith and a living testimony of resilience.
And most of all…
He is hope.
Love
Melvena
