She didn’t hesitate—not for a second. When a video of Edna, a pitbull with wide, uncertain eyes and trembling legs, showed up online, something inside her said, “I have to help this baby.” And that was it. She drove to the rescue without looking back.
But as she stood there, watching Edna wobble and collapse in front of her, she paused. “What did I just get myself into?” The pup couldn’t even stand, let alone walk. A specialist diagnosed her with cerebellar hypoplasia—an underdeveloped cerebellum affecting balance and coordination. It was rare, and in Edna’s case, severe.
Edna needed constant care, therapy, and tools just to move. A special cart became her chariot, and a harness her first step toward freedom. Progress was slow.
Every day was a new challenge, but Edna was never alone. Alongside her was Gertie, another dog in the household, who became an unexpected source of strength. He took one look at Edna and instantly bonded with her. Day after day, Gertie would squat low in the grass, gently nudging Edna and encouraging her to join in play, even when Edna couldn’t keep up. She didn’t run ahead—she waited. Edna noticed. And for the first time, she tried to run.
She fell again and again. But she never stopped. “I’m going to walk. I’m going to follow Gertie,” her eyes seemed to say.
Then, one day, it happened. Edna took a few wobbly steps and then gracefully tumbled into the grass. It wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful.
Today, Edna walks, runs, and plays like any other dog. She rarely falls, but even if she does, she rises faster. There’s never been a sad day with her—only stubborn joy and quiet determination.
Edna’s journey reminds us that it doesn’t matter how shaky the start—what matters is the will to rise, again and again.
