Pan Chieh, a 40-year-old machine operator in Taiwan, rescued an injured stray dog. After receiving the proper veterinary care, it became clear that the pup would never be able to walk again without a wheelchair. The cost of the commercial wheelchair was extremely high, as well as the risk of walking into paw traps set by farmers to keep animals off their property, so Chieh decided he’d try and build his own. Not only was he successful, he found a way to help other injured dogs and cats in need. Since stray animals are at such a high risk for getting hit by cars in Taiwan, the shelters are full of homeless pets unable to walk. Chieh wants to change that.
What started as a heavy, wooden prototype quickly turned into a much more comfortable plastic wheelchair. It’s customizable to the specific needs of each animal and the material costs total about 1000TWD, less than one-third the cost of commercially made ones. Chieh and his girlfriend now visit animal shelters and homes of injured animals to help provide them with wheelchairs – and a new chance at life. After their visits, these animals are able to move around readily. They have their own lives back.
The couple charges 5000TWD to cover materials and travel, but they regularly work for free for those who cannot pay or for shelter animals without sponsorship. Chieh and his girlfriend still have their day jobs, but they travel all weekend long to help provide wheelchairs for animals in need. It’s certainly a way to pay it forward. Many injured animals might never be adopted if they lack the ability to move around. Not only do Chieh’s wheelchairs make them happier and more comfortable, they offer them a new chance at life.
via Whisker Therapy