Abandoned, Paralyzed 'Prince' Needs Loving Home

San Ramon dog-rescuers Love & Second Chances are seeking an adoptive family for a prince-of-a-dog, named Prince, who was left hurt and paralyzed about a year ago in front of a shelter in Taiwan.

Six-year-old Prince, who uses a doggie-wheelchair for mobility, is the second international dog rescue undertaken by Melody Chen of San Ramon.

Taiwan-born Chen, 23, founder of Love & Second Chances, made headlines with her first "international save" Batman -- a three-year-old mutt left paralyzed with a severed spine after being hit hit by a car in Taiwan.

"He dragged himself across lanes of traffic and into an alley," said Chen, a freelance designer and photographer dedicated to finding homes for death-row, abused, neglected and homeless dogs.

Batman, who now boasts his own Facebook page with nearly 2,400 fans, was brought to the states by Chen's group and is being fostered by a University of California, Davis, veterinary student until a permanent home is secured.

Initially diagnosed paralyzed with no use of his hind legs, Batman is making huge strides in rehab, Chen said.

His Facebook page touts that last week he walked for 20 minutes on a treadmill. Batman mastering his new leg braces can be viewed on video here.

"Vets at UC Davis think it's kind of a miracle," she said.

Chen's not-for-profit group offically gelled about a year ago and she estimates she has placed some 200 dogs into homes. But the international cases, like Prince and Batman, are what she finds truly heartwrenching. 

"Dogs are not treated the same way in Asia as here," said Chen, adding that from Taiwan, in particular, come "really sad cases. Very bad abuse. Dogs being cooked. Dogs with missing paws."

Prince, she said, was dumped, nearly dead, on a Taiwanese street near a shelter.

Once Chen finds a suitable permanent or foster home for the husky-mix, he can travel to the U.S., she said. For now, he is in the care of a Taiwanese vet.

Prince's wheelchair does not deter the sweet-natured canine from playing and socializing. But despite two surgeries on his spine, he will require the cart for the rest of his life, according to caregivers. 

Prince is neutered, current on vaccines and microchipped. An adoption fee to help cover his expenses is requested.

For additional details, view Love & Second Chances' web site at www.lovesecondchances.com or follow the group on Facebook here.

To learn more about Batman, click here, or become a Facebook fan here.