Wheelchair-Bound Dog Still Feels The Wind In His Fur Thanks To Grandpa's Cycling
Recently, a wheelchair-bound senior dog and his human companion made waves across social media for the endearing way they spend time together, taking a leisurely spin through their Los Angeles-area neighborhood. While it's just a quick TikTok clip capturing the moment from an outsider's perspective, it says so much about how far people will go to help their pets live their best lives.
@k.vvcc 🥹 🐶 🥰🥰🥰 #doglover
The short video, taken by a passerby in a car who wanted to capture the moment, shows a man riding a bike while holding a leash that is guiding the wheelchair-bound pup alongside him. As the viral video spread, it came to light that the dog, named Milo, is 18 years old and has spinal cancer that has left him unable to use his legs. But that hasn't stopped him from going on walks with his pet parent, who presumably still wants his furry friend to enjoy life as much as possible for as long as possible.
After the video, one person wrote, "Stop I'm crying," with others echoing the sentiment with dropped memes and images of teary-eyed people. "I wish everyone in the world LOVES animals like this man 😩 💜," added another commenter, while someone else stated a hope for the bicycling dog-lover in the video, "may his pockets never run dry." Another simply wrote, "I love seeing people love their pets ❤️." And so do we.
The benefits of dog wheelchairs
Veterinary medicine and care have come a long way — and, yes, there are even dog (and cat) wheelchairs that you can buy for your furry friend in their time of need. They can often assist pets who are injured or paralyzed, and help support the dog's weakening legs, by offering a chance at restored independence and continuing to exercise and participate in daily activities, all while still looking cute in their wheelchairs.
A dog wheelchair, or dog cart, supports a dog's weight and helps them regain some mobility, hopefully allowing them to have a better quality of life. Some dogs only need one for their back legs, while others — like the wheelchair-bound pup in the TikTok video — require them for limited or loss of use in all four legs. For some, a wheelchair helps with rehabilitation, for others, they will use it for the rest of their lives, and hopefully, it helps relieve some of their pain.
When purchasing a wheelchair, it's best to speak with a veterinarian to help guide you through the process. But in general, the device needs to be the right size and fit based on your pet's weight, length, and height, and care needs to be taken in fitting your dog with the cart and helping them learn to use it. Some dogs may take right to using the medical equipment, while others will need some help, training, and coaxing. In the end, the hope is that it will help your dog have the best quality of life possible, just like these adorable senior dogs enjoying life.
Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.