Paralyzed Puppy Lola Will Grow with Adjustable Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair

Lola is only 13 weeks old, and she is already in her third homemade dog wheelchair that is pictured at left. Paralyzed at only a few weeks of age, Lola likely will grow to be approximately 50 - 60 pounds.

She needed a wheelchair that could be adjusted to accommodate her growth from a puppy to a full grown dog. Had Lola been fitted with a series of custom dog wheelchairs, she would have required a total of eight carts to be made for her!

Now, thanks to the generous support of donors to Paws with Pride and with assistance from HandicappedPets.com, Lola will be receiving a Walkin' Wheels for Handicapped Pets - the pet industry's only fully adjustable dog wheelchair. The Walkin' Wheels features a patented design that easily adjusts in length, width and height without tools, and it folds flat for convenient travel with your canine companion.

The Walkin' Wheels recently appeared on Animal Planet's Underdog to Wonderdog where a 12-week old puppy named Faith needed an adjustable dog wheelchair to accommodate both her paralysis and growth.

Lola's story was recently featured in a newscast on NBC Channel 4 in Columbus, Ohio. We look forward to seeing Lola in her Walkin' Wheels and to following her progress.

Paying it Forward with Walkin Wheels for Scooter

This is Scooter. He is currently available for adoption from the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Puerto Rico. The rescue is known on the island as the one that will go the extra mile for dogs that are struggling with a disability and having a more difficult time being placed in a permanent home.

Second Chance does not immediately consider euthanasia as the only solution for handicapped pets. Rather, they see physically challenged dogs as having overcome significant odds with a spirit and determination that are deserving of a second chance. They also believe that it is worth the wait for those special people to come along who are willing to look past a dog's handicap to his or her personality and soul and to imagine the possibilities. The shelter frequently has several handicapped pets in need of homes.

And for dogs like Scooter, the wait for a permanent home can seem endless especially since all he wants to do is to snuggle up and be loved. Scooter's eyes are always full of hope and he even does a little dance when he knows that he is next in line for kisses and hugs.

Second Chance is the same rescue that saved HandicappedPets.com's mascot Lucy from the side of the road when she was only five months old. Lucy was brought to New Hampshire and adopted by Courtney Dunning. Lucy also received a new Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair from HandicappedPets.com.

Courtney's mother Wendy was so grateful for Lucy's donated Walkin' Wheels that she when learned there was another dog in need at the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Puerto Rico, she decided to pay it forward and purchased a Walkin' Wheels for Scooter.

Second Chance has lost count of the number of wheelchair rescues that they have assisted because so many of the dogs in Puerto Rico have suffered paralysis or lost limbs to motor vehicle accidents. However, the one number that the rescue can remember is zero - the number of wheelchair rescues that have been unable to find a permanent home.

Wonderdog Faith in her Walkin' Wheels on Animal Planet

The Walkin' Wheels team at HandicappedPets.com would like to commend the wonder team of Animal Planet's Underdog to Wonderdog for their efforts in transforming Faith. We have received countless positive responses to the program that aired this past Saturday, January 30th on Animal Planet.

Faith, a 12-week old Rottweiler/shepherd puppy that was recently abandoned at the Animal Center of Queens (ACQ), now has a loving family to call her own and is able to run and play like any other dog. We would like to acknowledge Lori Carpino and her team at the ACQ for taking the initiative to locate assistance for Faith's disability. All too often, people conclude that euthanasia is the only option for dogs like Faith who are experiencing mobility problems as a result of birth defects, injury or advanced age.

Faith is mobile thanks to her Walkin Wheels for Handicapped Pets - a revolutionary dog wheelchair that is fully adjustable in length, width and height to accommodate any size dog weighing from twenty to one-hundred fifty pounds. Since the Walkin' Wheels requires only one simple measurement of a dog's height, it can be ordered online at http://www.handicappedpets.com/ or by telephone at (888) 811-PETS, and it is available for next day delivery.

To see additional photos of Faith, to applaud other wonderdogs in their Walkin' Wheels and to learn more about caring for special needs pets, please become a fan of HandicappedPets.com on Facebook.

Help from the Americans for a Dog Named Venus

Venus was hit by a car over 2 years ago. Surgery to correct her paralysis was unsuccessful. Upon realizing that she could no longer walk, her owners abandoned her with a veterinarian. The veterinarian contacted Eugenia - a local woman who single handedly assists the stray dogs of Romania because there are not many people who would otherwise provide care or contribute funding for them.

Eugenia has made it her mission to assist these animals. She has personally provided for the sterilization, medical care and adoption assistance of over 1,300 strays in Romania. Eugenia has also been actively involved in legislative efforts to prevent the euthanasia of healthy, stray dogs. Her efforts are comprehensively aimed at addressing the current problem of pet overpopulation while also seeking ways to prevent so many animals from becoming homeless in the first place.

Venus is one of several animals that Eugenia personally provides care for despite the limitations of her small pension and her physical disabilities. In her application to the Handicapped Pets Foundation, Eugenia explained that she really wanted to have a dog wheelchair so that Venus could once again experience the outside world without risking further injury brought on by dragging her rear legs. With limited financial and physical resources, the Handicapped Pets Foundation was her only hope to assist Venus.

The generous supporters of the Handicapped Pets Foundation responded and immediately contributed funding to Venus' appeal. Upon learning that Venus would be receiving a Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair from the Handicapped Pets Foundation, Eugenia was overwhelmed with gratitude and wrote the following reply:

"I remember that my father, who died in 1989, told me that he spent all his life with his eyes staring at the sky and waiting for the Americans to come. Nowadays, the situation has changed. We no longer need the Americans to free us from the communist regime. Venus has been staring at the sky for 2 years waiting for aid. It came from the Americans. My father, who was fond of animals, would be very proud of you. Love, Eugenia and Venus"

Thank you for your support of the Handicapped Pets Foundation and for making a difference in the lives of handicapped animals throughout the world!

Rosie the Deer Dashes through the Holidays in a Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair

When a custom wheelchair just won't adjust to changing needs, what is a growing deer to do?

This was Rosie the deer's dilemma as she underwent rehabilitation for an injury that she sustained when she was just a day old. Rosie, now nearly six months old, was just a newborn when a dog playing in his yard mistook her for a chew toy and severely injured her rear legs.

Rosie has been receiving physical therapy and acupuncture to assist in her recovery. Her legs which were once completely paralyzed are now gaining strength and movement. Rosie had been using an old custom made dog wheelchair to get around for the first few months, but she was quickly outgrowing it.

Her caretakers contacted HandicappedPets.com to inquire about their fully adjustable dog wheelchair - the Walkin' Wheels for Handicapped Pets. The company was pleased to offer a discounted Walkin' Wheels professional kit to help grant Rosie's holiday wish for a wheelchair that would grow with her! Complete with a one size fits all wheelchair frame that adjusts in height, length and width and five sets of different sized wheels, Rosie is now ready to roll on through her rehabilitation.

Rosie has developed quite an online presence that is complete with updated stories, photos and videos of her progress. Supporters are welcome to visit Rosie on her website (click on Rosie's photo from the homepage) or join her group (Rosie the Deer) on Facebook where they may follow along on her journey and make a contribution to support her medical care.

On behalf of Rosie, her caretakers at Los Robles Animal Hospital and everyone at HandicappedPets.com, best wishes for the holidays and throughout the New Year! Thank you for your caring support!

Retired Guide Dog Needs Wheelchair

Eve, who is almost 80 years old, has raised 26 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind over the course of her volunteer career. Recently, one of the puppies that Eve raised - a beautiful German shepherd named Dot - had to retire after successfully serving as a guide dog for over 7 years. Eve did not hesitate to adopt Dot and offer her a comfortable retirement.

Dot was forced into early retirement because of her rear leg paralysis. She is in desperate need of a dog wheelchair that will significantly improve the quality of her retirement years. Dot currently drags herself around to play in the yard with the other dogs. Eve is struggling to support Dot's rear legs on brief walks. To watch a brief video of Dot, click here.

Please consider making a donation to support the Handicapped Pets Foundation in providing a wheelchair for Dot. A very generous donor has agreed to match dollar for dollar the first $200 contributed towards Dot's new wheels! Make your contribution count twice!

You may make a contribution online or you may mail a check to Handicapped Pets Foundation, 14 Veterans Road, #22, Amherst, NH 03031. Please reference "Dot" in the purpose line of the online form and in all correspondence by mail. Thank you in advance for your support of Dot and the Handicapped Pets Foundation.

Handicapped Pets Foundation Challenge

The Handicapped Pets Foundation has received a very generous challenge. An anonymous donor has agreed to match dollar for dollar the first $200.00 (two hundred dollars) contributed to each of the pets in need currently listed on its website at http://www.hpets.org/. This supporter is a fellow animal lover who cares deeply for pets and the people who love them. She has issued this challenge in an effort to get more pets back on their feet as quickly as possible.

Your support will directly benefit a dog like Wishbone who is pictured above. Wishbone was surrendered to an animal shelter as a puppy along with his littermates. He was the last one to be adopted because he was missing his rear feet.

Please make your donation count twice by making a contribution to Venus, Wishbone, Shadow, Trax, Jenna or Seri. You may designate your contribution on the online donation form by indicating the pet's name in the purpose line. Thank you in advance for your support!

Donations received in the name of a particular pet will be directed to him or her until the level of support required to fully sponsor that animal is reached. Should donations beyond the level of support required to sponsor a particular pet be received in his or her name, those contributions will be directed to others that have been approved into the program. The Foundation makes every attempt to remove a pet in need from this listing as soon as the level of support required is reached.

Sharing a Message from Underdog to Wonder Dog

Are you thinking about adopting a dog?

Do you want to rescue, but are unsure about the training, the grooming and the other unknowns?

A prominent cable television show is now casting in New York City and the surrounding Tri-state area.

They are currently looking for someone who wants to rescue a special needs dog that needs special treatment from a loving and caring family. If you or a friend are interested in this opportunity please e-mail me your story to joep@sharpentertainment.com

2009 HandicappedPets.com Online Halloween Photo Contest

Get your costumes and cameras ready! It's time for the HandicappedPets.com 2009 Online Halloween Pet Photo Contest.

Your pet does not need to be handicapped to enter our photo contest - all pets are welcome.

Our community of supporters at HandicappedPets.com are encouraged to join us by uploading a favorite photo of their pet dressed in his or her Halloween best.

A panel of judges will review all entries received and select one pet photo that is deemed "Best Overall".

The winner will receive a $50.00 (fifty dollars) gift certificate from HandicappedPets.com that can be used towards the purchase of any item available for sale on the HandicappedPets.com website. The "Best Overall" winner will also receive a second identical $50.00 (fifty dollars) HandicappedPets.com gift certificate that will be awarded to a non-profit animal organization of his or her choice. The animal organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Photos must be uploaded online at the following link. Entries will not be accepted via e-mail or by any other means. Only photos uploaded prior to 5:00 p.m. EST on November 4, 2009 will be eligible for the contest.

All photos uploaded into the 2009 HandicappedPets.com album are also eligible to receive online votes from viewers. The panel of judges will consider the number of online votes that each photo receives when making its decision of best overall. The online vote tally will count 25% towards the judges' overall decision, so please share your pet's photo link with family and friends, and encourage them to vote for their favorite!

By registering and uploading a photo to the 2009 HandicappedPets.com Halloween photo album, contestants agree to allow HandicappedPets.com to publish their pet's photo online for public viewing and voting.

If selected as the "Best Overall" winner, contestant must also agree to allow HandicappedPets.com to publish their pet's name and photo on its website.

Pet photos only, please. Photos containing human subjects will not be considered for judging and will be removed from the online album.

The winning photo will be announced at the HandicappedPets.com website on November 7, 2009. Happy Halloween!

Miracle Gets Her Miraculous Walkin' Wheels!

The Handicapped Pets Foundation is thrilled to share the first photo of Miracle in her Walkin' Wheels!

We also wanted to pass along a message of gratitude from Miracle's family to everyone who supported her fundraising effort through donations and sharing her story.

"We have received Miracle's Walkin' Wheels! Attached is a photo of her very first time with her new freedom! As I write this, she has now been in her chair 4 times and is starting to explore the house. She is fighting a battle with herself not to bunny hop, but she has reverse down pat," Miracle's family wrote about her first day.

"We never would have been able to do this without the wonderful help from the Handicapped Pets Foundation and the wonderful people who gave so Miracle could walk again. What a blessing. I will send more photos in the coming weeks. Well, as soon as the rain lets up and we can walk not swim outside. Thank you again everyone for your support."


While Miracle is still adjusting to her new found mobility, HandicappedPets.com's wheelchair manager Nancy has advised her family to provide a little more rear support by re-positioning her leg ring harness so that it is flush with the Walkin' Wheels frame. The correct position of the rear harness will give Miracle better support and greater comfort.

To see a before photo and story, visit Miracle's page at the Handicapped Pets Foundation website by clicking here. Thank you to everyone who contributed to Miracle. We will continue to share updates, and we look forward to receiving and sharing reports from Loki, Miles, Tiki and Toot.


More approved pets in need will be posted soon at http://www.hpets.org/. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of handicapped pets!

Emma Gets Her Walkin' Wheels and Earns Her Therapy Dog Vest

We love to receive updates from our customers at HandicappedPets.com telling us about all of the wonderful adventures that their dogs are having in their Walkin' Wheels.

Last week, we received a very special report from Linda McKeighen who resides in Florida with Emma - a 13-year old Boxer. Linda reports that Emma is using her Walkin' Wheels not only to help her walk but also to make a difference in the lives of others.

As the newest member of the therapy dog group Canines for Christ, Emma recently had her first visit with disabled children, and she is also planning to complete the application process to become an approved visitor at the local VA hospital.

Emma proved to be a very energetic and capable therapy dog.

"She was very gentle and everyone loved her...it was an amazing two hours that brought a lot of smiles and happiness," said Linda.

If you have a Walkin' Wheels adventure that you would like to share with us, please send your story and photo to lisa@handicappedpets.com We look forward to hearing from you.

To see the stories of Lucy, Nina and Denali and learn about the invention of the Walkin' Wheels for Handicapped Pets, visit our movie website at http://www.dogwheelchairmovie.com/

A shared post from the Jason Heigl Foundation

A shared post by the Jason Heigl Foundation ~

MJ, the beautiful paralyzed puppy, was rescued from South LA. She is seven months old and was hit by a car. She has a fractured spine and cannot use her rear legs. Her people did not take her to the vet and let her suffer for two weeks before dumping her at the shelter.

MJ was named after Nancy Heigl's mother, Margaret, and son, Jason, who passed away in the same week in different years. On the anniversary of both of Margaret & Jason's passing we rescued MJ. She represents the Heigl love and spirit.

MJ received a donated wheelchair thanks to http://www.handicappedpets.com/. With the wheelchair and intense physical rehab there is a good chance that she will be able to be a spinal walker. This means she might be able to walk again but her body won't know it.

She doesn't have control of her bladder/bowels but is NOT in pain at all. This little girl is SOOO happy, an absolute angel and deserves to be surrounded by love.

THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL EFFORTS OF COMPASSIONATE CHILDREN WE'VE RECEIVED A WHEELCHAIR FOR MJ!! Please read MJ's story written by Handicappedpets.com.

A wheelchair for MJ – a gift from Sierra and the compassionate efforts of children.

MJ’s plea for help arrived in a forwarded e-mail message indicating that there was a paralyzed, 7-month old German shepherd puppy in need of a foster home. We frequently assist in these efforts by referring rescue groups to the HandicappedPets.com help and advice forum where they can connect with thousands of caretakers of special needs pets.

From this message, we learned that MJ had been hit by a car and suffered a spinal injury. For more than two weeks, her owners did not seek veterinary care and ultimately abandoned MJ at an animal shelter in the Los Angeles area. The shelter called the Jason Heigl Foundation immediately. Unfortunately, it was too late for surgery to assist with regaining her mobility. Had her previous owners sought immediate veterinary assistance, MJ’s prognosis likely would have been different.

Instead, this precious little girl needed a wheelchair to get her walking again. HandicappedPets.com had just the right solution available to assist a growing puppy – a fully adjustable Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair, and there was one already located in California waiting to be donated to a dog in need.More than five years ago, HandicappedPets.com began working closely with Kathy Barton, a fourth grade teacher in Velma, Oklahoma who was teaching lessons with her handicapped dog Hope in the classroom. Hope proved to be a wonderful assistant with teaching the children about the importance of compassion and accepting differences in both animals and people. The “How do you teach compassion?” program that Ms. Barton and her students created is now an annual part of the fourth grade curriculum at Velma-Alma Elementary School and is available as a resource to other educators. Part of the program each year involves a fundraising drive to purchase wheelchairs for pets in need.In 2009, one of the pets that received a wheelchair thanks to the fundraising efforts of these children was a three-legged dog named Sierra who lived in California. Sierra was so happy to receive her Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair, and she enjoyed being able to venture outside again to playfully chase the neighbor’s cat from her yard. Unfortunately, just a few short weeks after receiving her Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair, Sierra’s health declined rapidly, and she passed away suddenly. Sierra’s owner Melody wanted her Walkin’ Wheels to be donated to another dog in need especially since the children had worked so hard to raise the money to purchase it. HandicappedPets.com assured Melody that we would seek out another special dog and coordinate transferring Sierra’ s Walkin’ Wheels.

As soon as we read MJ’s story, saw her pictures and realized that she too resided in California, we knew that we had found the perfect dog for Sierra’s wheelchair. Since the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair is fully adjustable in length, width and height, it can be easily re-sized to accommodate a growing puppy like MJ.

On behalf of Kathy Barton and her wonderful students, Sierra, Melody and our community of caretakers at HandicappedPets.com, we hope that MJ will live a long, happy, healthy life in her Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair. We are extremely grateful to the Jason Heigl Foundation for their support of MJ and her rescue effort and for providing her with the appropriate veterinary and rehabilitative care to ensure that she finds the perfect forever home.

Contact INFO@JasonHeiglFoundation.org if you can foster or adopt this sweet baby.

Photos & video of MJ in her wheelchair coming soon!!!!!!Watch MJ's video prior to rehab and wheelchair:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG6fZeADtSk

Location: Southern CA

Handicapped Pets Wants to Help Loki Get Back on His Feet

Loki is a 9-year old German shepherd that is suffering from intermittent rear leg paralysis which is progressively worsening. He is in need of a dog wheelchair so that he can resume his normal life and continue enjoying long walks and playing with other dogs in the park.







Loki's owner has been facing some financial difficulties lately and was recently unemployed for over a year. Loki is a very special companion and a cherished member of this family. Loki was adopted in 2003 after his previous owner, who was a relative of his current family, passed away.



Despite their financial struggles, Loki's family will be contributing fifty dollars ($50.00) towards the cost of his wheelchair and would be extremely grateful for additional assistance from supporters of the Handicapped Pets Foundation.



Please make a contribution in support of Loki - the first $200.00 contributed towards Loki will be matched dollar for dollar in an effort to get him walking as soon as possible. Make your donation count twice and help Loki get a wheelchair!



To make a contribution in support of Loki, please click here. You may reference "Loki" in the purpose line of the form to designate your contribution specifically towards a dog wheelchair for Loki. If you would prefer to make a contribution by mail, please send a check made payable to Handicapped Pets Foundation, 14 Veterans Road, #22, Amherst, NH 03031.



Thank you in advance for your support!

Handicapped Pets Shares the ASPCA's Halloween Safety Tips

No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents

Attention, companion animal caretakers!

The ASPCA would like to point out these common-sense cautions that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year. If you do suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.

Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.

Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.

Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturel or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned

Thank you to the ASPCA for putting together these terrific Halloween tips! Remember to check out Handicappedpets.com for all your handicapped and senior pet's needs!

Dog Wheelchair Review ~ How do I Choose the Right Dog Wheelchair?

Dog wheelchairs, also called dog "carts" are used by dogs who have had some type of injury or disease process affect their ability to use their hind end. Don't worry though, you don't have to push your dog in the wheelchair, like you would a person.

Most dog wheelchairs are designed so the dog can use its front legs to walk, while its hind end end is supported. Dogs acclimate surprisingly well to the cart and can maintain muscle tone -- get a lot of needed exercise.

There are also dog wheelchairs available for dogs with front leg amputations or diseases that effect the chest or front legs of a dog. There are even four-wheel dog carts for pets that are parapalegic.

In the past, otherwise healthy dogs suffering from diseases like degenerative myelopathy, (DM), neuromuscular disease, fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE) osteoarthitis, hip displasia, cancer, severe muscle or back injuries, spondylosis, lumbosacral disease and balance disorders have had to be needlessly euthanized. Dogs that were recovering from arthrodesis (joint fusion surgery), joint replacements, fractures, cruciate (ACL) injuries, amputations, patellar luxations needlessly suffered.

Many dogs spent a great deal more time in the healing process, sometimes never really healing completely because it was so difficult to keep the dog from being active. There are a number of different brands of dog wheel chairs, also called dog carts and canine carts (K9 Carts), you can find on the internet for handicapped pets. Top sites include HandicappedPets, WalkinWheels, DogKarts, and several others.

Until recently, your dog had to be custom fitted to the wheelchair, a lengthy and exacting process. The dog’s owner needed to take up to 13 exact measurements and wait two to three weeks for the wheelchair to arrive.

Once the wheelchair arrived, sometimes it didn't fit and would need to be returned to the manufacturer. In the meantime, the handicapped or injured dog who needed the wheelchair to begin with was experiencing a very poor quality of life. These custom carts, the only kind available until now certainly served a purpose, but they were cumbersome, couldn't be easily put in an automobile (most didn't fit in the back seat or even the trunk of a car) and of course, were difficult to resell. If the dog's size changed, the cart had to be sent back to the manufacturer to be refitted. Plus, they were not very attractive!

The Gold Standard of dog wheelchairs is Walkin Wheels. Released in 2008, Walkin Wheels is a unique, patented dog wheelchair invented by dog lover Mark Robinson, founder of the Handicapped Pets Website and the recently formed Handicapped Pets Foundation. The cart is loaded with innovative features, including portability, adjustability, ease of use, light weight, and yes, good looks!

The Walkin' Wheels dog cart was designed with both the dog's comfort and the owner's convenience in mind. A Walkin' Wheels dog cart can be easily ordered online. Tedious measurement of your dog is not necessary, the online "Cart Wizard" takes care of the details after one approximate measurement. The cart can be adjusted, without tools, to fit your dog or any other dog. It's lightweight, folds flat with the twist of a knob and is shipped next day.

No wonder there is a dog cart revolution! So don't lose hope - pets that might otherwise suffer or even be put to sleep can have a new lease on life! Dogs in wheelchairs can not only walk again, they can run, play fetch, and even swim! Unlike the other dog carts on the market, the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair company has a decent return policy, and the resell value is very high. So if your dog has trouble with his back legs, consider the Walkin Wheels dog wheelchair to help him enjoy life again!
posted by Mark C. Robinson @ 4:01 PM

Teaching an Old Dog, New Wheels - Walkin' Wheels

By: Mark C.

Throughout the summer, the normally exuberant, but elderly German Shepherd dog, Butch, appeared to be dragging his toes on his right hind leg. Concerned, owner Carol Sweet kept her eye on it, and, sure enough, over the next few days his hind end appeared to be weakening.

Butch and Carol were an item in the nearby town of Watson Falls. They went everywhere together, the beach, the post office, we even walked down to the local diner a few times each week in the summertime for breakfast on the patio. But his favorite, paws-down, was the beach. Chasing seagulls, barking at the waves, and digging, oh the digging!

Carol researched hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy in pets, but had decided it was probably a simple muscle or back injury, possibly osteoarthritis. She had also seen, in her searches, the adjustable Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair for Handicapped Pets, although she never ever imagines she would need a dog wheelchair. She consulted over the phone with our veterinarian. She agreed that the right course of action, for now, was simple observation, as well as supplementation with glucosamine chondroitin for dogs.

The weakening, however, continued.

Soon, Butch couldn't really pull his hind legs underneath him. He wobbled on his hind legs, and he began to appear unbalanced. It was getting hard for him to just be a dog. They were still going to the beach, and the post office, but they no longer walked downtown, as he just couldn't walk that far anymore. It was starting to become difficult to get Butch to get into the truck - it was just too high up for him, and Carol had trouble getting his hind end up and in. He had lost weight - from 95 to 75 pounds, but he was still too heavy for Carol to lift in by herself.

It was obvious Butch wasn't suffering from a simple muscle pull, or even a back injury. Carol came to the very sad realization that even though Butch appeared healthy in every other way - eating, drinking, even asking for his treats, his quality of life had gone precipitously downhill. He was basically a disabled dog.

Butch's demeanor had also dramatically changed. After more testing, the veterinarian diagnosed degenerative myelopathy. Butch was a handicapped dog. They veterinarian explained that the disease was degenerative -- Butch would not be getting better. Sadly, she said, many dogs were put to sleep at this point.
"NO!" Said Carol, as she looked at the life in Butch’s eyes. "This is a happy, healthy dog that simply can’t walk. She went back to her research notes and found the link to HandicappedPets.com and the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair for Handicapped Pets.

The Walkin' Wheels is designed especially for dogs that had trouble with their hind ends. Not a Wheelchair in the traditional sense -- the dog doesn’t sit in it and get pushed around -- the lightweight aluminum device replaces the functionality of the dog’s back legs with wheels. The pet moves around; runs and plays in fact, propelling himself with his still-strong front legs.
Carol was skeptical. She had been using a lift to help Butch get around in the house and when he needed to go to the bathroom. She had seen several of the other K9 carts for handicapped or disabled dogs, and they seemed cumbersome and klunky. Walkin’ Wheels was different. The website was very informative, with videos on fitting the cart and helpful and wonderful forums filled with other folks with dogs (and other animals) that were using these wheelchairs. The pet wheelchairs seemed to help so much with their mobility. And the dogs looked happy! Carol was most intrigued with the fact that the Walkin' Wheels dog cart was designed to fold up and be packed into a vehicle, and it was actually adjustable! Suddenly it seemed possible that Butch could chase those pesky seagulls again, even walk downtown?

Carol ordered the pet wheelchair and it arrived the next day. She fitted the adjustable cart to him using the video on the Handicapped Pets website. Butch, who wasn't too sure in the beginning what his mom was asking him to do, needed a little coaxing with treats but as soon as he discovered he could walk again though, it was amazing. Butch very quickly learned how to get around with the wheelchair, and it really seemed as if he enjoyed using it. It was small enough to fit easily in the house, as well as rugged enough for the great outdoors.
"My sweet dog started barking at squirrels again, and yes, chasing the seagulls on the beach and digging in the sand!"

Butch is quite the celebrity now at the local diner - they walk the mile or so downtown now with no problems and sit with friends and enjoy the sunshine. It's hard to miss the big black happy German Shepherd and his bright blue dog wheelchair!

The only ones not too pleased are the seagulls...

Author Resource:-> HandicappedPets.com

Article From DiD Articles

Handicappedpets.com's September Newsletter

In the September issue:

What is the quality of life for a handicapped dog?
The Safer Way to Carry an Injured Pet
Help and Advice on Living with a Special Needs Pet
Providing Wheelchairs to Pets in Need
How can your pet be incontinent and in style?


Featuring all of the products, services
and support for special needs pets including the patented, veterinarian approved Walkin' Wheels™ dog wheelchair.



Remember, Handicappedpets.com makes a donation to the Handicapped Pets Foundation for each new subscriber! Subscribe now!

Handicapped Pets Web of the Week - Blind Dogs.net

OK, so I'm being a little selfish on this one. I admittedly spent a few hours in Handicappedpets.com's Help and Discussion forum last night researching my own dog. Sasha is now 12 and has been suffering from diabetes for over 3 years now. A common side effect from diabetes is blindness. The help and advise forum posted links to Blinddogs.net. The site had great stories, advise, and left me feeling better that I am not alone in our daily challenges.

Know that whatever you may be going through yourself, whether it is a senior pet, diabetes, amputation..etc you can find answers and comfort at Handicappedpets.com's Help and Advise Forum. Click here to find answers to your questions.

Handicapped Pets Can Live a Full Life - A Day at the Lake

It is so nice checking into Handicappedpets.com's community and finding people sharing photos and stories about their disabled and handicapped pets.

Today we went for a party at Keene's Lake here in Calais. We decided to take Johanna and Pork Chop, as they have been spending most of their time in their crib. So, they got to spend a day with us at the lake!

You can find more inspirational stories and videos by joining Handicappedpets.com's Community.

Handicappedpets.com Had a Great Time at the Integrative Health Pet Expo

Walkin' Wheels Frequently Asked Questions

Walkin Wheels - FAQ

Walkin' Wheels, Frequently asked Questions.

A More Comprehensive, up-to-date series of discussions and frequently asked question can be found in our Help & Advivce Forum. Click Here.

Can my dog pee and poop in Walkin' Wheels?

YES. Although the dog cannot 'squat' in the cart, they usually get used to peeing and pooping almost immediately. Watch for it. If your dog does not pee and poop in the cart, take him or her out of the cart to do so.

Will the harness get in the way of my dog's genitals?

NO. Take the harness off the dog and trim it with a pair of scissors so that the neoprene does not cover the genitals. The neoprene material is made to be cut and will not fray or tear. Do not cut the straps underneath the dog.

The loop in the front harness is coming off the end of the cart.

This sometime happens when a highly active dog stretches the loop. We are looking into a different way to manufacture this that will prevent this problem (watch the newsletter for an announcement, you will be offered a replacement if yours has strecthed). In the meantime, the problem can be solved by reinforcing the loop with a tie-wrap, available from us at no charge or from your local hardware store.

My dog is falling backwards in the cart.

Dogs with strong front legs can sometimes lift the front of the cart, pushing the back of the cart down. If this is the case, angle the wheels back a notch or two.

Another Happy Walkin' Wheels Customer

Lady, a German shepherd from Japan, enjoys getting outside and exercising with her family thanks to her Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair. Lady's family reports how wonderful it is to see their dog walking again with a smile on her face.

I Need Advice Before Purchasing a Wheelchair - Handicappedpets.com's Help and Advice Forum

Below is a question posted on Handicappedpets.com's help and advice forum wall:

Hi,

We adopted a mixed breed 4 month-old puppy from the SPCA in Apr 08. She was born with a missing right hind leg, just below the knee. This handicap doesn't stop her from running and walking like any 4-legged dogs. However, in order to balance herself, she puts her hind leg in the centre. In this "unnatural" way, her spine is curved. Her hind leg is much bigger at the thigh. Lately, as she gets heavier, she uses her stump when walking and it gets sore and painful. Our fear is that in future, due to this curved spine and strain on the hind leg, she'll develop problems with her spine and achilles tendon on her hind leg. We are thinking of buying a wheelchair for her to use for her morning exercise only . Can anyone share their similar experience?

Visit the link to this discussion to see many different opinions.

HandicappedPets.com announces two reseller programs available for Walkin' Wheels - the pet industry's only fully adjustable, folds flat dog wheelchair

The on location reseller program allows veterinarians, canine rehabilitation specialists, retailers and other animal care providers to maintain a professional kit complete with frame, various wheel sizes and harnesses necessary to fit a dog with a Walkin' Wheels wheelchair in a matter of minutes. After completing each sale of the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair, on location resellers simply re-order a new frame and wheel set to re-stock their professional kit.

The Walkin' Wheels patented design features easy, no tools required adjustability in length, width and height to accommodate all size dogs ranging from 20 to over 200 pounds. Simply take one measurement of the dog's height, select the appropriate wheel kit and snap adjust the frame accordingly. Your client's dog will be mobile in minutes!

The online reseller program is a convenient option for animal care professionals, individual pet owners, animal welfare organizations and others who maintain an animal related website to sell the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair without maintaining a professional kit on site. The veterinarian approved Walkin' Wheels can be ordered online and is available for next day delivery.

For more information about the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair and to learn how to become an on location and/or online reseller, click here or visit http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/for-dealers.html

High resolution media photos are available by request or can be downloaded online at http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/media-photos.html

About HandicappedPets.com

HandicappedPets.com provides all of the products, services and support that pet caretakers need to help their disabled, injured or elderly pets enjoy healthy, happy, active lives. The company's signature product is the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair - the industry's only fully adjustable dog wheelchair that can be ordered online and is available for next day delivery. The veterinarian approved Walkin' Wheels is comfortable and stylish, and it folds flat for convenient travel with your canine companion. Additional information is available online at www.HandicappedPets.com or call (888) 811-PETS (7387)

Walkin' Wheels for Hiking and Swimming and to the Rescue of Homeless Animals

Do you have a dog that is currently using a Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair? Does your local animal rescue have an upcoming dog walk for charity?

If you and your Walkin' Wheels clad canine are planning to participate in a local dog fundraising walk, please contact HandicappedPets.com to discuss how we can support your efforts.
If you are wondering how active dogs in wheelchairs can really be, don't miss your chance to see Denali hiking and swimming in her Walkin' Wheels.
Help us increase awareness that handicapped pets can lead happy, healthy, active lives while also supporting local efforts to rescue and care for homeless pets. If your dog would like to be considered for a sponsorship as part of Walkin' Wheels to the Rescue, please contact
lisa@handicappedpets.com

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

and provide the details about your dog and the upcoming dog walk fundraising event. Please include a photo!

Handicappedpets.com Discussion Forum

Help and Advice from Around the Globe at the HandicappedPets.com Discussion Forum
Caretakers and advocates of handicapped pets from around the world participate in discussions on our forum. Recently, "Debbie from Spain" sought advice for her kitten Milu that is suffering from possible Osteogenesis Imperfecta which is also known as "brittle bone syndrome".
To join in on the discussion, click here.

For additional online resources, including several multi-lingual resources on how to express your handicapped pet's bladder, be sure to check out the following wiki. We welcome additional bi-lingual volunteers who would be willing to offer translations to increase our global knowledge base.

Another Happy Customer of Handicappedpets.com

Handicapped Pets Highlights Healing HEART Sanctuary

You must all know by now that HandicappedPets.com likes to highlight special organizations, outstanding people, and animals that make lasting impressions. This week I am excited to highlight Healing HEART Sanctuary in Kaneb Utah.

Healing HEART's mission is:

Healing HEART Sanctuary is devoted to helping animals and children get back on their feet directly or through outreach and program development.
They take in rescued animals that have been injured or disabled and rehabilitate them. They either stay with HHS as a part of our onsite program or when it’s time, they find appropriate adoptive homes for these special needs pets. During the animal’s rehabilitative time at Healing HEART Sanctuary, children who are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged get the chance to interact with, care for, and help in the recovery process of the animals. The gratitude, joy, and love that the animals express enhances the human-animal bond and helps the children learn, among other things, that happiness need not be dependent upon circumstances.
Healing HEART Sanctuary is also dedicated to raising awareness of the able-ness of animals with disabilities, sharing information and collaborating with the public and other animal and people organizations.

You will remember a few weeks back the Handicapped Pets Foundation featured Bella, a beautiful puppy in need of both a forever home and some Walkin' Wheels to get around. Through our Facebook friends and the Handicapped Pets Foundation we were able to help. Funds were raised for her new wheels and she is currently residing at the Healing HEART Sanctuary being rehabilitated and waiting for her forever home.

Please check out Healing HEART Sanctuary's web site where you will find so many inspiring stories, photos, links for donations etc. Remember too that the Handicapped Pets Foundation has other animals that need your help. Click here to donate.

Toot needs some Walkin' Wheels

Toot, who is simply too cute for words, has outgrown her first set of wheels that were obtained while she was still a growing puppy. Born with a total of five legs, Toot had to have the two smaller, deformed legs amputated when she was only four months old.

Toot is now in search of an adult dog wheelchair that will provide support for her remaining front leg that has been weakened by the additional strain of being a tripod without a wheelchair. Toot also has some weakness in one of her rear legs which increases her need for a new, customized dog wheelchair that will take her through her adult life.

Toot, through her owner Linda, has requested support from the Handicapped Pets Foundation for a new dog wheelchair to help her get around town. Linda, who is disabled and also volunteers her time providing foster care for her local animal rescue, is unable to afford the full cost of a dog wheelchair for her precious Toot. Linda would be extremely grateful for the assistance of the Handicapped Pets Foundation supporters, and she has pledged to share Toot's campaign far and wide in an effort to assist us with raising the money necessary to get Toot a new set of wheels while also raising awareness that handicapped pets can lead full, active, happy lives!

If you would like to make a contribution towards Toot's new set of wheels, please reference "Toot" in the purpose line of the online form. Click here to donate now. If you would prefer to make a donation by mail, you may send a check made payable to Handicapped Pets Foundation, 14 Veterans Road, #22, Amherst, New Hampshire 03031.

Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to updating you about our efforts to get Toot back on her feet!

Options for Getting a Dog Wheelchair

By: Mark C.

Dog Wheelchair Rentals

When your dog loses mobility in his back legs, it may be time to get a dog wheelchair. If you do, there are several options:

1. 
   

   You can purchase a new dog wheelchair from one of the dog cart companies,
   a) You can buy a custom-built dog wheelchair
   b) You can purchase an adjustable dog wheel chair like the one from Walkin Wheels

2. 
   

   You can buy a used dog wheelchair from E-bay or the handicapped pets classifieds,

3. 
   

   You can build a do-it-yourself (DIY) dog wheelchair from the plans on Handicapped Pets,

4. 
   

   You can review the dog wheelchair rental programs available
   Purchasing a New Dog Wheelchair

   New dog wheelchairs come in custom and adjustable configurations. Custom wheelchairs often take two or more weeks to build, require more than a dozen exact measurements and cannot be easily modified later to accommodate your dogs increase or decrease in size or rehabilitative improvements.

   Adjustable dog wheelchairs require only a few approximate measurements, can be shipped the next day and can be fitted to your dogs changing physical and rehabilitative needs. The Walkin Wheels dog wheelchair requires only one measurement in height. Many pet care professionals agree that the custom dog wheelchairs are a thing of the past now that the adjustable dog carts have appeared on the scene.

   Benefits of an adjustable dog wheelchair are clear; they adjust to the exact configuration your dog needs, they can be modified as your dog grows or his health changes and they are really easy to re-sell because dogs of any size can use them. The fold flat adjustable wheelchair, like the one from Walkin Wheels, is even better because it can be shipped and transported easily.

Purchasing a used dog wheelchair.

The only dog wheelchair you should buy used is a completely adjustable one that folds flat. A chair designed for another dog will probably not fit your dog unless he has the exact same measurements. Even dogs of a similar breed have significant variations in height, length and weight. Another reason to buy a folding dog wheelchair is to save on shipping expenses. If the dog cart does not fold flat, you’ll either have to ship it in a huge box, or assemble it yourself.

Dog Wheelchair Rental Programs

How do dog wheelchair rentals work?

Method 1: You pay the entire cost of a dog wheelchair with a 50% buy-back agreement. One dog wheelchair manufacturer (handicapped pets) offers slightly used dog wheelchairs in their rental & buyback program. This is an excellent system and highly recommended. For example, if the cost is $400.00 and you use the dog wheelchair for six weeks, you have paid $35 per week for the use of an excellent canine cart. Alternately, many people who use this rental program post the dog wheelchair on the classifieds and get much more than the 50% back.

Method 2: You pay $109-$339 upfront depending on the size of dog wheelchair required for a rental. Then each week, you pay an additional $30-$70. By week three or 21 days, you will have paid between $169 and $479, and you still do not own the dog wheelchair.

Method 3: Returning the Dog Wheelchair. Some Dog Wheelchair manufacturers promote the idea that you can pay full-price for a dog wheelchair, and then return it for a credit if you do not need it for very long.

The return policies on all but the Walkin Wheels dog wheelchair are pretty dismal. One company has no return policy at all, and another one only gives you back 65% and you must return it within 10 days. If you need it for more than 10 days, you’re stuck trying to find a dog to resell it to that has the exact same measurements as your dog.

We have found that most pet caretakers will opt for the Method 1, a guaranteed 50% buy-back of the dog wheelchair. It’s simple, straightforward, and guaranteed. It also allows you to sell your pet wheelchair on the Handicapped Pets Classifieds or E-bay. Alternately, you can keep the wheelchair or donate it to a shelter or rescue. They LOVE the adjustable dog wheelchairs because they can use it again and again.

Author Resource:-> www.WalkinWheels.com

Article From DiD Articles

Beautiful Bella In Her Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair