No front legs, no problem.
That is the attitude Tumbles, a six-week-old terrier mix, seems to have as he learns to navigate life with a tiny wheelchair.
Karen Pilcher, the Rescue Coordinator for Friends of the Shelter Dogs in Athens, Ohio tells 10TV Tumbles was born to a dog belonging to a neighbor of a volunteer with the organization.
The volunteer checked on the dogs and noticed Tumbles was having trouble getting to the mother for food because he was born without front legs.
Tumbles’ owner agreed to let the Friends of the Shelter Dogs take in Tumbles when he was about two-and-a-half weeks old so he could receive the best care he could.
The organization posted a photo of Tumbles on its Facebook page.
One of its Facebook fans contacted them, saying she should help them get a wheelchair for Tumbles.
The wheelchair was eventually made by the Ohio University Innovation Center using a 3D-printer.
In the video, you can see Tumbles trying out the wheelchair, but it is too big.
Pilcher said OU is making a new wheelchair for him, complete with spokes shaped like dog bones.
The new wheelchair will be smaller and have adjustable wheels.
Pilcher said OU will provide Tumbles’ wheelchairs forever, but there will be a price for the supplies.
Tumbles is a healthy dog, Pilcher told 10TV, and he seems to get along with other dogs and cats.
Tumbes is not available for adoption at this time.
Friends of the Shelter Dogs in Athens works with the Athens County Dog Shelter to help rescue dogs at the shelter and provide them with loving homes.
You can find more information about Friends of the Shelter Dogs here.
