In January of 2007, I began the journey of trying to find a dog wheelchair manufacturer that made a product that would assist a dog with a front leg amputation.I experienced a few weeks overcome with feelings of defeat. I saw pictures of wheelchairs for front amputees, talked with manufacturers and knew that because of his size, this would be quite a difficult task. After being told by one manufacturer that it was "cumbersome" for Emmett to have a wheelchair, I was heartbroken.
It was not until, I contacted Doggonwheels in Montana, did I feel hope. Not only were they a wealth of knowledge, but they said "yes" to constructing a specialized quad wheelchair for Emmett.
As I then found myself sidelined with a knee injury that required immediate surgery, his rehab veterinarian and a village of family and friends measured, remeasured and remeasured Emmett again for his wheelchair and cared for him while I was laid up. The effort to bring care to both Emmett and I was overwhelming.
Needless to say, the wheelchair catches a lot of attention when we go out. While most people inquire about the mechanics of Emmett's wheels others are blown away by Emmett's ability to thrive and ask to pet him.
What I would want others to know about Emmett's use of the wheelchair:
- Emmett "uses" a wheelchair, he is not "in" a wheelchair
- Emmett only uses the wheelchair when in public
- He runs, jumps, plays tug-a-war, fetch and does somersaults off the couch, causes mischief all without the use of his wheelchair
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