By Liz Lootens
Introducing, a special EAV four-legged resident, named Summit Lootens. He is the beloved fur baby of Scott and Liz Lootens, who have lived in EAV since 2004. Summit was born with a rare neurological disorder called cerebellar hypoplasia. The part of Summit’s brain that is responsible for coordination and balance, the cerebellum, did not develop in the womb because his mother was not given the proper nutrition. There is no cure for this disorder, and veterinarians do not know a lot about it because, sadly, dogs and cats who have this disorder are euthanized after birth.
On a scale of 1-10 for severity, Summit is an 8. Thankfully, he can get around without a wheelchair but depends heavily on Liz for assistance. This dog is one tough cookie as he falls constantly, but his balance and coordination are improving with his physical therapist’s help.
Summit and his siblings (who have a disability) were found in a box at the side of the road at three weeks old in St. Louis, Missouri, and were rescued and nursed back to health by St. Louis Dog Rescue.
St. Louis Dog Rescue held an adoption event at a show where Scott was working. Summit’s sweet puppy face and determination to persevere captured Scott’s heart. As you can imagine, he did not have many prospective adopters lining out the door. Scott and Liz knew Summit deserved a loving home, which they could give him, and they adopted him in May 2022.
Liz and Summit take daily strolls in the neighborhood. You might have seen them and thought Summit was getting spoiled, but this special pup cannot walk long distances, and the wagon allows him to explore his neighborhood. If you see them, please say “Hi.”
Caring for an animal with a disability has not been easy, but it has been a road worth traveling. Liz and Scott wanted Summit to be featured in The Porch Press to bring awareness to his disorder and to show that dogs with disabilities are worthy of love and need homes just as much as the next pup.
