Join us on Facebook here!UPDATE 5/23/2018:
While this is a bittersweet announcement, I’m excited to share with you, and introduce you to, Angela Johnston and Maggie on the Move. After much careful and introspective thought I’ve made the decision to pass the reins to these two who I adore and know will do the day proud, to carry on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day (NWNRDD). You can read more about this transition here on my blog. I’d encourage you to support Angela and Maggie as they continue the tradition of bringing a positive voice and face to animals in wheelchairs via the Facebook page for NWNRDD!
National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day was founded in August 2012 by award winning author and advocate for dogs with Intervertabral Disc Disease (IVDD), and dogs in wheelchairs, Barbara Techel. She created this day in memory of her beloved dachshund, Frankie, and in honor of all wheelchair dogs.
Barbara witnessed first hand from Frankie, who became paralyzed after a fall and diagnoses of IVDD, that dogs in wheelchairs can live happy, long, quality lives if given a chance. We should not take pity on pets who lose their mobility, but instead celebrate and embrace their perseverance and adversity. In Frankie’s memory, Barbara founded this special day, National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day, to continue to bring positive awareness to alldogs in wheelchairs around the world.
Frankie touched the lives of thousands visiting over 400 schools and libraries and logging over 250 visits to a senior assisted living facility, hospice and hospital as a registered therapy dog. She spread love, joy and hope wherever she went.
Frankie lives on in the two children’s books Barbara wrote about her, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, and a memoir, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way.
DOGS WE HELPED
Though the fund has now closed, visit the Resource section below for other organizations that provide financial assistance for wheelchairs for dogs, along with other helpful information.
We will be eternally grateful for the many that supported us in our mission to help paralyzed dogs become mobile again!
RESOURCES
Red Flyer, The Handicapped Pets Community– This is an organization run by a wonderful man named Harlan Weikle. Red Flyer accepts used wheelchair donations, refurbishes them and loans them at no charge to families of handicapped pets in need. Their motto is, “No pet should be alone or without the gift of mobility.”
Mango on a Mission– Mango is Cairn terrier who was found on the side of a road with a broken back. She was adopted by disabled Army veteran Judy Walter and the rest is history as they now help paralyzed dogs in need of wheelchairs.
Rescued Rollers– They supply low-cost pet wheelchairs to animal rescue organizations, shelters, individuals and those who otherwise cannot afford them by refurbishing wheelchairs that are donated by private owners in the hopes of giving another dog the freedom of mobility, or by purchasing wheelchairs for these dogs in need through the generosity of our donors.
Gunnar’s Wheels– Assist owners in providing mobility options to their pets. Gunnar’s Wheels Foundation is a loaner program and carts may be used for the duration they are needed, and then returned to Gunnar’s Wheels Foundation to be refurbished and matched with the next pet in need.
Hailey’s Wheels for Life– Hailey’s Wheels For Life is a not for profit entity, providing subsidized wheelchairs to rescue groups and those owners in need of financial assistance. The purpose is to encourage an alternative to euthanasia and to prolong the life of an otherwise healthy dog. The outcome is to bring the joy to owners and their dog when those first wheels are turned and to encourage sustained mobility.
CorgiAid Cart Program– CorgiAid’s Cart Program is open to all corgis and corgi mixes, whether owned or in rescue. We do not specifically require financial need, and there may be a cart available that would go unused otherwise, but we do encourage those who can to buy a cart. See Cart Purchases below for more information.
Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? With humor and kindness, Kristin Leydig Bryant and Dr. Adam Christman walk you through caring for dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD); from how to recognize the earliest signs of this inherited condition, to minimizing the risk of a painful or paralyzing disc rupture, to choosing a treatment path and providing follow-up care. Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund?shares Kristin’s many years of experience in home care as a foster mom for DREAM Dachshund Rescue and Dr. Christman’s knowledge as a practicing veterinarian and IVDD dog dad. Their combined perspective and practical strategies will give you confidence in talking with your own veterinarian and taking care of your dog during treatment and recovery.
Dodgerslist: organization dedicated to helping pet owners whose pet has been diagnosed with IVDD.