Dogon!
A Colorado thief stole a disabled dog's wheelchair from his owner's balcony, leaving the elderly dog with no means of walking until the community intervened.
Megan Caligiuri has owned her rescued Schnauzer mix, Griff, for about 15 years, taking him on countless adventures across the country and even on 10 miles of hikes. As Griff grew older, reaching over 100 years of age in human years, his athletic abilities began to decline.
So Caligiuri bought Griff a dog wheelchair to help him with his weakened hind legs in order to get him back on his feet. The 10-mile hike was tough, but he was able to move forward with his new wheels.
“We walk three miles every day, and that was a big change for him. Someone saw him driving his truck around in the snow and said, 'He's such an inspiration!' That’s what I thought,” Caligiuri said. CBS News.
Caligiuri leaves Griff's wheelchair on the porch of his Inglewood home every time he goes for a walk. Griff's wheelchair is often caked with dirt from when puppies roll around on the ground.
“The next morning, he's so excited for his next walk. When I go outside, they're gone. I have no faith in humanity that someone would steal a disabled dog's wheelchair.” '' Caligiuri told the media about the November 11 theft.
The average price for a quality dog wheelchair ranges from about $190 up to $400. And they aren't even available at regular pet stores.
Caligiuri filed a police report and posted about it on the neighborhood app Nextdoor in hopes someone would see the thief or locate her dog's wheelchair.
But the online response quickly spread beyond the neighborhood, with more than 80 people reaching out to offer donations, resources and kind words, Caligiuri said.
The story managed to reach Kathryn Groenewald, marketing director at Paw Prosper, a company specializing in supporting dogs with disabilities.
Walking Pets, one of the companies owned by Pau Prosper, quickly handed Caligiuri a new wheelchair on Thursday.
“We couldn't leave this dog without wheels alone. There's nothing better than seeing a previously immobile pet move, get excited, and see the joy of running and playing come back into their lives. No,” Groenewald told CBS News.
Caligiuri has been touched by the community's generosity and is just grateful that Griff can get back to his daily walks on his new, sleek wheels.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the kindness of people. This is how he carries himself, enjoys life and experiences life. My faith in humanity has been restored. Thank you so much everyone.” said Caligiuri.
