.
The story behind CarmenSteps stems from a very special relationship between a long hair Chihuahua named Carmen, and her owner, Mrs. Ginette Labonté.
Carmen’s tale is one of compassion and new beginnings, and we are very pleased to share it with you today.
Carmen was found on the streets of Toronto by Mrs. Labonté’s son, 8 years ago. She was so small and fragile that it was hard to tell if she was even a dog, and not a squirrel or a mouse.
Mrs. Labonté’s son Marco took her straight to the hospital, where he was told she was in fact a little Chihuahua, but that her chances of survival were extremely slim. Hovering between life and death for more than a week, she finally pulled through, and the hospital gave her back to Marco.
Aware that his mother was going through hard times (she was recently divorced and had serious health problems), he gave her the dog in the hope to cheering up her spirit.
When she was six months old, Carmen became paralyzed and Mrs. Labonté took her to the vet, who suggested euthanasia, claiming she was not going to survive. Obviously, Mrs. Labonté refused and took her home, where she held her lovingly in her arms for two days until she was finally able to move again.
Carmen celebrated her eight birthday last January 29, 2010.
Seeing that Carmen’s life turned around being on her bed, or by her side when she worked, Mrs. Labonté designed the steps. She wanted her newfound pal to benefit from more freedom and independence.
With everything she has been through, Carmen is truly a survivor and the company’s name Carmen Steps is a tribute to her. Mrs. Labonté strongly believes that it is thanks to her that she was able to overcome all her hardships herself.
Lately Carmen was named, director of the quality control of the Company and all our products are subject to her approval.
Carmen is now 8 years old and is as healthy as ever. The little whole on her head never closed , she still has arrhythmia and according to the vet she sees very little with her left eye
