Dagmar Gudmundsson’s beloved dog, Tyrion, found himself paralyzed due to an autoimmune disease he had unknowingly been living with. Despite the sudden change in his health, the seven-year-old pup embraced his customized wheelchair with joy. Inspired by Tyrion’s resilience, Gudmundsson shared their story on TikTok and launched an online venture called “Wag & Wheel,” which supports shelters caring for disabled animals.
Named after the witty character from Game of Thrones, Tyrion the Maltipoo has exemplified his namesake’s spirit in more ways than one. With his endearing face and adapted wheelchair, the courageous canine isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving. Although Tyrion’s journey has been challenging, his devoted owner, Dagmar Gudmundsson, has stood by his side since he was a mere eight weeks old.
The ordeal began unexpectedly for Tyrion on March 2, 2024, when his playful demeanor shifted to an unsteady gait and eventually full paralysis within hours. Initially suspected to be intervertebral disc disease, a subsequent MRI revealed a severe inflammation of his spinal cord caused by an autoimmune condition known as GME. Despite the grim diagnosis, Tyrion embarked on a slow but steady path to recovery.
Through a combination of acupuncture and hydrotherapy, Tyrion gradually regained mobility. Despite the disconnection between his brain and spinal cord preventing him from feeling pain in his legs, he managed to exhibit a remarkable form of movement known as “spinal walking.” Approximately a month post-paralysis, Tyrion was fitted for his wheelchair, a transition that surpassed expectations as the resilient pup took to it with enthusiasm.
Tyrion’s journey is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the unwavering support of his dedicated owner, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.
Luckily, Tyrion embraced his new wheels immediately. “He’s like, I’m free. I can run again – loved it immediately.” Although Tyrion doesn’t use his wheels all the time, often choosing to drag himself indoors or in safe areas, he lights up at the prospect of an outdoor adventure. “You can just tell it’s like for a normal dog, when you grab the leash and they get excited – when I grab his wheels, it’s the same kind of reaction.”
Caring for a paralyzed dog presented its challenges. Initially, the emotional burden was overwhelming. “Honestly, I fell into a pretty deep depression,” Gudmundsson confesses. “But what really helped was I’d be like, on the couch crying, feeling bad for him, but also, honestly, kind of feeling bad for myself… And he would drag over to me and … just give me this look like, ‘What’s up? Like, let’s go for a walk. You want to play fetch?'”
It became evident that Tyrion wasn’t mourning – rather, he was living. This realization grew stronger over time. “I had to just totally change my mindset,” his owner shares.
Gudmundsson began documenting their journey on TikTok, connecting with others in similar situations. The support was comforting. “People were telling me I was doing a good job, which, in the beginning, I really didn’t feel like I was.”
Physically, the toughest aspect has been managing Tyrion’s bladder. He requires assistance to empty it four times a day to avoid infections, a task demanding a consistent, hands-on approach. “Thankfully, I don’t have a 9 to 5, because I don’t know how that would work,” she notes. “It really has to be done on a schedule, regularly.”
Despite the obstacles, the ordeal has strengthened their bond. “Sometimes I’m like, maybe we’ve gotten too close?” Gudmundsson quips. “But whatever, you know, he’s like my best friend, it doesn’t matter.”
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Tyrion’s owner feels empowered and more knowledgeable.
“Life is more challenging for him than other dogs, but it doesn’t mean you can’t also have the joy and the fun and whatnot,” Gudmundsson tells PEOPLE. “So I think my brain and the way I think about things has really evolved and grown, which has been incredibly rewarding, and I think made me a better person at the end of the day.”
Her upcoming business, “Wag & Wheel,” will offer hats and other accessories for owners of disabled dogs. After struggling to find suitable products, she created her own to celebrate the pride of having a disabled dog. A portion of the proceeds will support rescues and sanctuaries caring for disabled animals.
