In a truly despicable act, someone stole a senior dog’s wheelchair, leaving the dog immobile and his owner shocked. But just when all hope seemed lost, a community came together to make things right.
Megan Caligiuri, of Englewood, Colorado, is the owner of a 15-year-old rescue schnauzer mix named Griff. The senior dog is disabled and suffers from weak hind legs, but his doggy wheelchair gave him a new lease on life and made it possible for him to walk again.
“We go three miles a day, and it’s been a game-changer for him,” Caligiuri told CBS Colorado. “Someone saw him trucking around in the snow and was like, ‘He’s such an inspiration!”
Griff goes for long walks with his owner every day, but when they get home she takes his dirty wheels off and leaves them outside. But recently, Caligiuri went outside to take Griff on a walk and discovered that the wheelchair was gone — someone had stolen it.
Caligiuri was shocked by the unbelievable theft: “I have no faith left in humanity that someone would steal a disabled dog’s wheelchair,” she said. Dog wheelchairs are expensive and not easily replaced, and the theft meant poor Griff wouldn’t be able to go for any of his beloved walks.
She went to the police and informed the community on the app Nextdoor, hoping to get a lead on who stole the chair. While some people came forward with tips, it doesn’t seem like the culprit was ever found. However, the community also stepped up in an incredible way: they offered donations to pay for a new chair.
News spread and eventually reached Paw Prosper, the parent company of Walkin’ Pets, which makes mobility products for disabled dogs. Touched by Griff’s sad situation, the staff decided to step in and provide him with a replacement chair.
“We just couldn’t leave this dog without wheels,” Kathryn Groenewold, marketing director at Paw Prosper, told CBS Colorado. “There’s nothing more incredible than seeing a previously immobile pet have movement and excitement and the joy of running and play come back into their lives.”
They created a custom-fit wheelchair for Griff and hand delivered it to Caligiuri, who regained her faith in humanity. “I feel so overwhelmed by the kindness of people. This is how he gets around and how he enjoys life and experiences life,” she said. “My faith in humanity has been restored. Thank you, everyone, so much.”
It’s truly unbelievable that anyone would steal a disabled senior dog’s wheelchair, but the kindness of people won out in the end. We’re glad Griff has some new wheels and can go back to enjoying walks with his owner ❤️
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