Paralyzed Dog Reaches Summit of Mount Washington
Lucy, a 4-year old mixed breed, was rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico after being paralyzed in an auto collision and adopted by Courtney Dunning of Peterborough, New Hampshire. Lucy has been using her Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair for dogs for nearly two years and has been preparing for the climb up the Mount Washington Auto Road with her owner for several weeks. They began by trekking up parts of the Auto Road in mid-July.
Lucy and her owner reached the summit on August 18th after six hours and 2 minutes of trekking, including several breaks for food and water as well as one diaper change. Accompanying Lucy on the climb to provide supplies and to document the adventure were a total of five people and one dog – Lucy’s canine companion Topper, a Chihuahua mix that was also rescued from Puerto Rico. After reaching the summit, Courtney Dunning acknowledged the Mount Washington Auto Road and its employees for their support and effort.
"Lucy demonstrates how handicapped pets can continue to lead happy, healthy, active lives. The Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair allows dogs to do more than simply survive injuries that were once considered life ending. With appropriate veterinary care and physical training, dogs in wheelchairs can thrive and even reach levels of athletic achievement," said Mark C. Robinson, President of HandicappedPets.com and inventor of the Walkin’ Wheels
Photograph courtesy HandicappedPets.com.