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Yogi Gets A Leg Up

March 29, 2019

“Cool, that dog’s doing a handstand!” I looked up to see a woman next to us on the Elm Street Event Green watching Yogi “water the plants,” clearly in awe of his mad skills.

Yogi disability around woodstock

Yogi’s my 12-year-old, 10-pound, 3-legged chihuahua brother. He learned this potty trick shortly after one of his rear legs was amputated. The rescue group, Hightower Farm, figured he was in a car accident. Either way, he came to live with us as a foster a week later.

The first night in our home, Yogi escaped through an impossibly small hole in the backyard, and took off running. A chase ensued, but Mom and Dad figured he wouldn’t be too hard to catch. After all, he’d just had his leg removed. So, how fast could he be? Crazy fast, as it turned out, because within seconds, he was standing in the middle of East Cherokee Drive, frozen with fear as rush hour traffic whizzed by, swerving to avoid him.
It was a frightening sight, and Mom began pleading for help. “I promise I’ll give him a good life if you just let him live. PLEASE, God!”

Yogi eventually was caught that night, and, afterward, Mom and Dad made the decision to return him to his forever home — our home.

It turned out that Yogi’s “disability” had nothing to do with his legs, but everything to do with his mind. He was terrified of everything and everyone.

He bit out of fear, so it took weeks before Mom could touch him without wearing welding gloves, and it took months before he’d even be in the same room with Dad. But, with a lot of time, love and understanding, Yogi slowly began to trust us.

Today, he’s a happy little dude who lives a very full life. He walks and bikes on the trails, gets belly rubs from Dad, eats lunch at the finest restaurants downtown and enjoys long strolls with his lady friend, Miss Ellie Mae.

And, to top it all off, he’s a loyal friend. In fact, he even chaperoned my Valentine’s date with Brianna at Tiny Bubbles. Yep, he sat in the window all night staring at her to make sure she didn’t try anything funny. He even texted her after the date to make sure she got home OK, and then the next day to see how she was doing. Hey, wait a minute! Maybe he wasn’t there as a chaperone after all! Grrr…

– Teddy the Spaz Man, a social media dog and not-so-humble Hallmark star living in downtown Woodstock.

  • Yogi disability around woodstock
  • Yogi disability around woodstock
  • Yogi disability around woodstock
    Yogi enjoys life in and around Woodstock, despite his disability.
Yogi disability around woodstock
Yogi watched through the window while Teddy and Brianna enjoyed their date.

Filed Under: Feature

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:04 am

    Yogi! You tried to steal Teddy’s girl! Yogi the Studman….

    Reply
  2. Mandy May says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:05 am

    Love you, Yogi!!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth Hendricks says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:06 am

    Yogi, you really won the lottery in being adopted by your Mom and Dad. You are such a precious little creature. I’m so glad that you found a home filled with love, patience and understanding so that you could flourish there. Love you!

    Reply
  4. Angela Ball says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:07 am

    I just love Yogi , he is one special doggy and what a wonderful family

    Reply
  5. MaryK. Voumard says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:10 am

    Yogi you little Casanova! You make ALL the ladies swoon!!!! You are adorable ♥️

    Reply
  6. Lynne says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:11 am

    I would never have imagined Yogi as fearful or withdrawn. How wonderful that you could give him a safe place to let his true Cool Cat nature shine! Long live Little Brother!

    Reply
  7. Leslie Bond-Giacomazza says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:12 am

    I absolutely adore sweet Yogi! So glad he found a family with the patience to allow him to overcome his fears, in his own time. What a great story!

    Reply
  8. Beth Rodgers says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:14 am

    Wonderful to know his backstory. He landed in the perfect home

    Reply
  9. Judy O says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:15 am

    Yogi I just love you.

    Reply
  10. Jeri Evans says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:16 am

    Amazing little dog.

    Reply
  11. Marilyn says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:20 am

    I enjoy reading all about you, Yogi and Violet. You bring a smile to my heart. Hugs and love being sent your way.

    Reply
  12. Judy Weaver says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:22 am

    Absolutely love Yogimeister and Teddy, Violet Willow and Momma Kitty. Arron & Diane are pretty cool fur parents. They rescued critters to the Best ever living circumstances. With all that love they’ve become a Wonderful Family. Not to mention the rescues before these 4. Love, Love, Love is what it’s about. Helps to have such a sense of humor. I’m a Super Spazzer Fan, more than that I and Jaspur James feel like part of their rescues. Keep on keeping on. We love y’alls.

    Reply
  13. Debbie says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:23 am

    Hey there Teddy, thanks for telling us all about your little stud muffin brother. I never knew his back story. I am so glad he came to live with your family.

    Reply
  14. Sharon Doyle says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:23 am

    I love Yogi, Teddy and Violet! Yogi is amazing and so cute!

    Reply
  15. Leigh Barrington says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:25 am

    Yogi, you are the best, cutest chihuahua I’ve ever seen! You are Star quality just like your brother. I love you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      April 4, 2019 at 3:42 pm

      Love you! How wonderful
      . The best family ever!,,,

      Reply
  16. Amber Carter says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:25 am

    We love you Yogi, you smexy devil. We are loyal fans of you and your family. Keep living the life you deserve. 😍😘❤️Love Amber and Calli Carter and fur babies Bentley and Robin

    Reply
  17. Lorri Vails says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Love you Yogi ❤

    Reply
  18. Patricia Madden says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:29 am

    Dear Yogi, all I can say is that you are one lucky little pup to be adopted into such a loving family, Now,you have a handsome studly brother,two beautiful sisters and two humans who love you. p

    Reply
  19. Marsha Smith says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:30 am

    Yogi you are an amazing little dude love you and all your wonderful family y’all make my day with your stories ❤️

    Reply
  20. Carolyn Venditti says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:30 am

    My Paczki is a 65 lb. amputee (right rear leg) rescue. It is amazing how fast they can run!! We’ve never discussed her ‘missing’ leg; she prefers to refer to it as her invisible leg! She loves Yogi, Teddy, and Violet so much!! She thinks Mama Kitty is lovely – at a distance, lol! Thank you for all the wonderful stories and photos!

    Reply
  21. Carol says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:30 am

    Love you Yogi …. you hit the jackpot !!! All I can say is …..Disability????? what Disability????

    Reply
  22. Candy Jones says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:30 am

    Wonderful story!!!! Love reading about Yogi, Teddy, Violet and Momma Kitty. Your house sounds like a wonderful place to live. There is a lot of love in that home. Keep telling your stories. We don’t have any dogs, (just 4 wonderful cats – they are brothers and sisters, also rescued) so by reading about your life we feel we have a dog or should I say dogs. Love you all. xoxo

    Reply
  23. Laurel Hageseth says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:34 am

    Teddy and his family are a huge part of my life. I am always happy to see what is up with this crazy bunch..when real life drags me down I rush to get a dose of their special love and kindness.

    Reply
  24. Victoria Yardy says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:37 am

    First of all thank you for allowing us to be part of the life of Yogi!!
    Teddy spaz man, you are very humble in my eye’s the life you breath in to everyone is breath taking 😊!
    My little min pin (Mac Yardy) was a tripod and yes tripods are very fast🐕 glad to know Yogi was captured safe!!
    I see Yogi is aging with the humans who has loyalty and most of all a safe loving home!
    Please hug Yogi for me, with a soft whisper
    Tell him thanks for all he has give you and the rest of the world!

    Reply
  25. Sue Patnou says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:37 am

    Loved the article. So happy after such a rough start Yogi has relaxed and settled into a beautiful loving fur ever home. Love all the stories, videos, pictures. Very caring loving parents of all their fur babies. Always brightens my day to read the stories. Yogi you are adorable!! 🐶💛💛💛💛

    Reply
  26. Janice Griffin says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:40 am

    Love this family! Just goes to show you what love can do to anyone!

    Reply
  27. Heidi says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:40 am

    I LOVE Yogi, Violet & Teddy. Great article! Thank you for sharing your family with us!

    Reply
  28. Marcia Ann Kasper says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:46 am

    Yogi is one lucky little dude to be adopted into such a patient and loving family; it sounds like it was just what he needed! I’ve got a special soft spot in my heart for that little sugar faced senior, and I loved reading his backstory. Thanks for sharing it with us, Teddy!

    Reply
  29. Vicky says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:54 am

    Loved this story about my favorite Yogi, he is just so adogable!! So glad he found such a loving forever home & family.♥️

    Reply
  30. Margaret says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:56 am

    Interesting how Yogi was a biter because he was afraid. Maybe that’s what’s going on with my chiweenie who is friendly with maybe 4 or 5 people. I’ve had him 3 years and he still barely tolerates my son. Surprisingly he is better with some people in their homes than he is when they visit us

    Reply
  31. Kelly kirschner says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:57 am

    What a nice story! Love you yogi and all your siblings. Your stories are always so heartfelt and uplifting. 🥰

    Reply
  32. Marsha Farrell says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:01 am

    I am such a fan of all of you guys and Momma Kitty ! Loved reading Yogis Bio !! I followed you guys and it was actually a few months before I realized Yogi was a Tripod !! I cried with you all about Roxy Love and rejoiced when you got Violet ( Kudzu) !! Prayed when Grandma Woof Woof got sick and joyful she’s doing well !! You all warm our hearts and make us spit out our coffee laughing ! Our 3 are our hearts and their antics bring us joy and when they’ve crossed tears ! But richer for their love !!Please know how much we love you all — humans included 🐶🐶🐶💖💖💖

    Reply
  33. Selena Jordan says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:02 am

    I love the Yogmeister 😍

    Reply
  34. Emily says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:02 am

    Loved the article. Yogi is a cutie.

    Reply
  35. Leah Wilkinson says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:15 am

    Wow! I had no idea how Yogi became part of the family. So glad he found you. And thank you so much for sharing Yogi (and his siblings) with us. Your posts/pics/videos always put a smile on my face.

    Reply
  36. Esther says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:16 am

    Love this story! I love reading all your posts too. I could watch these dogs and momma kitty for hours. Your stories are so well wr itten that I can actually imagine the pups thinking and saying the the things you write. Thank you for sharing your fur babies.

    Reply
  37. Mary Stodola says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:24 am

    Love this article. Also love all your fur babes. Yogi is so cute in that hat! You guys are the best.

    Reply
  38. Laura Plescia says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:25 am

    Loved your article on Yogi. He is one specia dog.❤❤❤

    Reply
  39. Cheryl McDonald says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:49 am

    Oh Yogit you are one special pup. And it’s a blessing to see you over come all your issues. I love seeing you with your family. Thank you for all the smiles you all give me. Love and like you all God bless

    Reply
  40. Carol says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:14 am

    What a great beginning for Yogi. He got the best fur parents in the world and the best pack there ever could be Violet, Teddy and Mama Kitty. What a strong little guy he is. Live long and well Yogi you deserve a good life.

    Reply
  41. Terry Casteel says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:24 am

    What a great story about Yogi! I didn’t realize how far he has came. Just thought he was super cool from the beginning! Love every member of this loving family!💕

    Reply
  42. Vicki says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:39 am

    loved your story, Yogi! yoi have a wonderful family! and I think you’re just adorable!

    Reply
  43. Melinda Bohnett says

    April 4, 2019 at 4:26 am

    Love this story and the fact that Yogi found a loving home.

    Reply
  44. KD says

    April 4, 2019 at 5:43 am

    Rescued is my favorite breed. I have five! I love your fur crew. Teddy and his antics always make me laugh. So glad you share Teddy, Violet, Yogi and Mama Kitty with us. I love seeing spoiled fur babies…especially rescues.

    Reply
  45. Brenda Alvarez says

    April 4, 2019 at 6:19 am

    Wow what an amazing journey Yogi has endured it is so sad people can be so cruel to animals. He is so lucky you took him in and showed him what real love it and a real home. I love all your posts and all your animal thank you for sharing by the way my daughter and I both bought one of Teddy’s Christmas ornaments we absolutely loved it.❤️

    Reply
  46. Robbie says

    April 4, 2019 at 8:52 am

    Love your stories of how the family came to be.

    Reply
  47. Lora says

    April 4, 2019 at 8:59 am

    Beautiful story! What an amazing family! I’m at a loss for words! 💕🐾

    Reply
  48. Quiltin mammar says

    April 4, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I loved reading yogis story. Rescue is best – the best dogs come from rescue sanctuaries – both our dogs did and they are so loved (and spoiled now)
    Can’t wait to read about everyone of you puppies

    Reply
  49. John Tackett says

    April 4, 2019 at 10:33 am

    Thank you Teddy for sharing Yogi’s story. I have learned many years ago that a disability does not mean “no life.” With time and love, Yogi came out of his shell and is experiencing the world around him and the enjoying the love he deserves.

    Reply
  50. Lisa Bookter says

    April 4, 2019 at 11:48 am

    Yogi, you landed in a good place! I’m glad some of you fear has abated so that you can live your best life!

    Reply
  51. Candace says

    April 4, 2019 at 11:59 am

    I absolutely love your whole pack. Yogi is a poster boy for resilience and what a little one can do if given the chance. Thank you for giving him that chance and keep up the great adventures!

    Reply
  52. Laurye says

    April 4, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    I absolutely love Yogi 💖 I had a very special Chihuahua in my life for 18 wonderful years so Yogi’s adventures always brighten my day..as do Teddy’s,Violet’s,Willow’s and Mama Kitty..this whole family is one of my favorite Facebook “stops”!

    Reply
  53. Becky S says

    April 4, 2019 at 1:17 pm

    Love Yogi’s story and so glad it had an awesome ending with him ending up in your loving family. I look forward to seeing Yogi’s little frosty face in all the pics. I have 2 Chihuahua mixes that I love dearly.

    Reply
  54. Darlene says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:07 pm

    Yogi, you are quite a guy…you’ve been through a lot and I see it doesn’t stop you from anything, even trying to steal Teddy’s girl. Great story!!!!

    Reply
  55. Robin Dassinger says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    What a great rescue story Yogi!! I’m so glad you found your perfect forever family xoxo

    Reply
  56. Holly Hilt says

    April 4, 2019 at 2:39 pm

    I’m so happy you decided to make your home his forever home. But I’d watch that little guy, Teddy. Looks like he’s got eyes on your girl!

    Reply
  57. Cheri says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    OMG I adore Yogi and the whole family!!! They never fail to brighten my day!! 💖💖💖

    Reply
  58. Debbie says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:58 pm

    Ah, Yogi, look at you getting all famous. You Stud you!

    Reply
  59. John wojcik says

    April 4, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    Yogimeister. You are adorable. It figures mom and dad would be foster failures. You’re too cute to give up. So scary about you escaping.
    I just love your handstands. You’re a good brother keeping an eye on Teddy on his date.
    You couldn’t of landed in a more loving and awesome home. We love you Yogi and wish you many many more birthdays.
    Big hugs love and kisses. 🤗❤️🥰.

    Reply
  60. Beth Newman says

    April 4, 2019 at 8:49 pm

    Thanks for telling us all about Yogi. Yogi you found paradise, great pawrents that helped you through a lot. You are one handsome little dude.❤️

    Reply
  61. Ann-Marie Vieira says

    April 4, 2019 at 11:32 pm

    First of all thank you Teddy for sharing such a lovely article! Yogi you are such a sweet little soul and so blessed to have found such a loving family. Happiness and blessings to your beautiful family always ! Love you Yogi ❤🐾❤

    Reply
  62. Debbie Hardin says

    April 5, 2019 at 2:12 am

    Yogi you are one lucky dude. You found a wonderful loving family. You have brothers and sisters and great parent who love you so much. Keep sending pages of all your adventures.

    Reply
  63. Linda Lord says

    April 6, 2019 at 1:36 am

    Love me some Yogi.

    Reply
  64. Donna Magee says

    April 9, 2019 at 10:36 pm

    Yogi, I have followed you for some time on Teddy’s FB page but never knew your “background”. Fascinating! So glad to have an opportunity to know you better. Take care of yourself. *Hugs*!

    Reply

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