Dealing with similar injuries and disabilities, "we understand what (each other) went through," she said of Rown, who now needs surgery.
LEMONT, IL — Lemont resident Patricia Wheeler has always loved animals.
"Ever since I can remember, we have always had dogs," Patricia told Patch. "Growing up, we had parakeets and goldfish too."
After the loss of her dog, who lived to almost 17 years old, last year, Patricia said she knew she wanted to get another dog especially because "they are good therapy, and it's been proven that they lower blood pressure."
Patricia and her son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Julie, paid a visit to Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook, where they found Rown.
"I looked at all the dogs. I wanted all of them," Patricia said. But, once she heard Rown's story, she knew he was the dog for her.
Rown came to the shelter from South Korea. He's about 2 years old, and has "had a rough beginning," Patricia said.
"We don't know his entire story. It's believed that he didn't have a home," Patricia added. The pup was being fed by local residents, but when he wasn't able to find food, he ate small rocks, screws and more.
Somehow, Rown was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he had surgeries to clear his stomach and stabilize his leg, which had suffered a devastating injury, Patricia's son, Kevin, said.
Rown had pins, rods and screws inserted in his leg, from his right paw pad up to his shoulder, Kevin said. He was then flown to Northbrook, where he has now found a home with Patricia.
"Someone saw something in this dog that his life was saved," Patricia said. "Between his leg and mine and the surgeries we've endured, I fostered him on the spot."
In a twist of fate, Patricia and Rown share similar injuries. Nearly 30 years ago, Patricia faced incredible trauma which almost cost her her life, and as a result, she has rods, pins and screws in both her legs.
"I know why his life was spared. We needed each other. We understand what we went through," Patricia said. "He waits until I get to the top of the stairs before he goes up. We are mindful of each other's disabilities."
Unfortunately, shortly after Patricia brought Rown home, she noticed that he was favoring his right leg and had developed a paw sore, Kevin said. Vets determined that Rown's rod in his leg had shifted, and will now require another surgery to fix it.
Kevin has started a GoFundMe, in hopes of supporting the rescue with the expensive cost of surgery.
Meanwhile, Patricia said there is no way she can return her canine companion, who she has renamed Shadow.
"He is gentle, kind, sweet and loving," she said. "Very attached and protective of me. But he still has a lot of puppy in him. He loves to play, run, soak up the sunshine, eat and loves a good belly rub. He also loves chasing chipmunks, squirrels and birds. I love him and I know he loves me."