Four legs — and two wheels — make Boo a unique dog.
- Neglected dog, Boo, gets around with homemade wheelchair
- Osceola County Animal Services intern, 18, made wheelchair
- Wheelchair was made with PVC pipe, rollerblade wheels
The abused Osceola County pup can walk again after not being able to for more than a year.
“He’s a little wild child. He thinks he’s big stuff. He’ll go after all the big dogs,” said Sophia Vermeulen, who interned at Osceola County Animal Services.
Animal Services found Boo locked up in a crate covered with a tarp. Because of the neglect, he could not walk properly for more than a year.
“They did X-rays there and found that he had sustained a back injury that had gone untreated,” said Amber Mixon, the lead veterinary technician at Animal Services. “He had sores to his back feet and his belly from urine scalding and also dragging himself.”
Now, the dog goes by the nickname “Hot Wheels,” and it’s all thanks to 18-year-old Vermeulen, who turned several dollars' worth of materials into a priceless gift for the little pup.
She made him a doggy wheelchair using PVC pipe and rollerblades. The goal is for Boo to strengthen his back and abdominal muscles.
“It’s a thankless job in every sense of the word, but for him to run around and wheel up to her... That’s his person; she changed his life. I am so proud of her,” Mixon said.
With the help of water therapy and electro-acupuncture, Boo has regained feeling in his hind legs.
Boo’s former owner is being charged with animal cruelty. Vermeulen hopes a new owner can help heal more than just his legs.
“I want him to find a very good home that will love him as much as I do,” Vermeulen said.
Boo will soon be up for adoption. For more information, contact Osceola County Animal Services.