One of these special animals is Speedy, a blue-eyed, black and white kitten, born without use of his rear legs. He was found as a stray and turned over to a rescue group who took him to a veterinarian.
The kitten dragged himself, happily, around the clinic floor, suggesting that he never considered himself handicapped. Recognizing his zest for life, the veterinarian named the little cat, "Speedy", and decided to give him a second chance.
X-rays revealed that Speedy had been born without a pelvis bone. Although he got around well, the constant friction from dragging his hindquarters across the floor, caused abrasions and sores. The veterinarian and his staff designed and fashioned a homemade cart from K'NEX toy parts, so that Speedy's hindquarters were supported and pulled on wheels.
In January, Ripley's Believe It Or Not! featured Speedy on their show and donated a manufactured cart for him. The spunky little cat now runs, plays and climbs onto furniture to divebomb the dog! All on his kitty lowrider!
Other animals who benefit from these carts include dogs, goats and rabbits. Degenerative myelopathy, prevalent in German Shepherds, causes progressive paralysis in dogs. After being fitted to wheels, these dogs carry on relatively normal lives. They are able, once again, to fetch a toy, chase squirrels across a shady lawn and, yes, swim in the lake, just as other doggies do.
Molly, a black goat, living at a wildlife sanctuary in North Carolina, lives a full life in her cart. She is known to race around with the dogs and give them head butts. Molly is the first goat on wheels, but others have, since, followed.
Animals are measured, and carts are custom-made, using lightweight aluminum with foam padding. The hindquarters rest in the cart which is harnessed to the shoulders. The carts have anti-tipping features and come fully adjustable. They are designed to meet specific needs such as amputations and front limb weakness or paralysis. They can, also, provide chest and belly supports. Pets are able to perform normal bodily functions while in their carts.
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