Listen as Phoebe Hart takes us on her journey with Hugo, her endearing, 12 y.o., mixed breed rescue that was diagnosed 1.5 years ago with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a neurological disease with no known cure that causes progressive paralysis. Phoebe shares her reaction when she learned of Hugo's diagnosis. She stresses the importance of not panicking, but rather processing, as she assembled a care team that supports both Hugo and herself. Phoebe also discusses  the resources, equipment and supplies she found useful, and the many "pivots" that were necessary as Hugo's disease progressed. Ironically, Phoebe describes Hugo's life now as more enriched than before his diagnosis despite his hind legs no longer working. We examine the physical and emotional stress related to the 24/7 care for any being (also known as compassion fatigue.) Although euthanasia is likely inevitable, Phoebe shares that as long as Hugo keeps exhibiting his can-do attitude and joyful outlook, she will be at his side, celebrating his daily victories and enjoying the company of her best friend.   For more information, go to Living with Dogs with Disabilities, Sarah MacKeigan's online educational platform for owners of dogs with DM and disk disease. Join Living with Dogs with Disabilities on Facebook. For DNA testing  for DM through the University of Missouri, click here. For general information about DM from the University of Missouri, click here. Support the showDisclaimer Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @ PetAbility Podcast! PetAbility is affiliated with Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips to keep your dog from slipping. You may order your dog's Toe Grips via two options. 1) When you order at toegrips.com and use the promo code PETPOD22 at check out, you will receive 10% off your first order and PetAbility receives 10%. 2. When you order using this link: https://shop.toegrips.com/petpod22, the entire 20% will go to support our show. PetAbility is affiliated with HedzUpPets watercollars at SaveDogsFromDrowning.com. When you purchase your own watercollar by using coupon code PETPOD22, you save 10% and PetAbility gets 10%. PetAbility is affiliated with ADogsBestLifeBox.com. When you subscribe to receive their awesome enrichment kits using the coupon code PETPOD22 , ...