Woman Explains How Her Dog's Disorder Has Taught Her Unconditional Love

Dogs give us their unconditional love and attention, sometimes even care, so it's only right that owners go above and beyond for their pets when they need them.

One person doing just that is Alicia Motmans, 25, a teacher from Hoeselt, Belgium.

"Ash as megaesophagus, an idiopathic disease which means that her esophagus is enlarged," Motmans explained to Newsweek. "Because of that, food gets stuck and cannot reach the stomach. If food keeps sitting there it comes back up in the form of regurgitation. This could cause aspiration pneumonia.

"When Ash uses her chair, which is called a Bailey chair, she is seated in an upright position. That position helps her food get down to her stomach."

In a video posted to Motmans' Instagram account, Ash can be seen in her custom-made Bailey chair, complete with cushions and blankets, sharing a high five with Motmans.

German Shepherds may be predisposed to megaesophagus, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, and the cause is not completely understood. Dogs with megaesophagus can have a great quality of life, although effort is needed to keep them fit and healthy.

"A close relationship with a veterinarian, time, patience, and understanding of the condition are needed," PetMD says.

When it comes to treatment, the Bailey chair is one of the best ways to manage the condition.

"The pet should be fed in an upright position about 45 - 90° to the floor," suggests VCA Animal Hospitals. "This position should be maintained for at least 10-15 minutes after feeding. One option is to use a Bailey chair, which is specially designed to support the pet in the correct position (search "Bailey chair plans" online to find several articles and videos detailing how to build one).

"Pets with extreme regurgitation for whom upright feeding does not work well may need to have a feeding tube placed into the stomach. Stomach tubes are very well tolerated and completely bypass the difficulties associated with megaesophagus. The most important ongoing complication for megaesophagus patients is the risk for aspiration pneumonia."

While it may seem like a lot of effort, Motmans says that caring for Ash has taught her what unconditional love means.

"I don't care that I have to wake up at 6am every day and be home at 5pm every night because she depends on me and would literally die if I wouldn't take care of her.

"A lot of people around me don't understand what I do for her," she added. "They understand when you have to be home on time because a toddler needs a nap, but when my dog needs her feeding they think it's too much of a hassle.

"It makes me feel sad and proud at the same time. Proud of what I do for my dog and sad that these people apparently don't know how special the bond with an animal can be."

Despite Motmans' mixed feelings, users on Instagram loved the video.

"No, she's a baby angel. So lucky to have you. My last guy was special needs. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat," commented one user.

"They are never 'just a dog,' they are truly wonderful furry friends who break our hearts when they leave us," wrote another.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.