Toby, The 23 Oz. Special Needs Puppy Gifted Custom Wheelchair For Christmas!
By Mike Walters on December 17, 2021 at 7:37 PM EST
Updated on March 9, 2022 at 1:14 AM EST
A 1.5-pound baby puppy with special needs just received the gift of a lifetime, after a rescue organization gifted him a custom wheelchair!
The Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix puppy named 'Toby', who weighs about 23 ounces, couldn't walk and its owners considered euthanizing it based on its extreme special needs. Instead, a New Hampshire-based pet mobility company custom-built a wheelchair for the little guy, that is allowing him to walk!
Prior to the unbelievable gift, Toby struggled with walking after he was born with Hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the hollow places inside the brain, which can affect mobility, coordination, and vision. Luckily for Toby, the Florida Yorkie Rescue stepped in to help him and agreed to take in the doggie until they could find him a permanent home.
'Toby' The Tiny Special Needs Yorkie Puppy Walking On His Own!
The rescue center connected with 'Walkin' Pets' and gifted Toby with his very own custom wheelchair -- and it's the cutest thing you've ever seen!
"Every life is worth living, just because he has some challenges, they are never too big for Florida Yorkie Rescue," the president said of Toby. The rescue updated its followers on social media, which caught the attention of 'Walkin' Pets' -- who was moved by the doggie's perseverance and decided to grant him a Christmas wish to "walk on his own." Staffers from the organization flew from New Hampshire to Palm Beach, Florida, and custom-designed wheelchair just for him.
Animal Rescue President Adopts The Puppy For Her Family
The best part, the President of the organization decided to adopt Today and give him a permanent home with her family. "The wheelchair will help him to build up the strength in his front legs, I'm very optimistic, and I think he is too!" she said. Adding, "I would certainly encourage most people who want to give a little special needs dog a chance. You will never find a more grateful heart than in a dog than one that you've rescued."
She continued, "I would like to thank Mikayla Feehan from Walkin' Pets who flew from their headquarters in New Jersey to Florida this past Friday to custom fit Toby with his new Wheelie! Also huge thanks to Wendy Carlson DePinto who graciously allowed us to use her beautiful home for the filming and for returning Mikayla back to the airport. There are many photographs and videos that were taken that we should be receiving soon. Toby did well but it will take practice for him to get the hang of his new device. He continues to eat well but is still hovering around the 22-ounce weight. Here are a few of the photos we received so far."
See Toby's New Custom Wheelchair!
Toby is still struggling a bit, and his owner admitted, "Toby is a very difficult boy to photograph since he hardly keeps his head still, so I do my best." But, the photos are still the cutest thing ever!
The President, Kit DeRoche, hopes others are inspired by the progress made by the little guy and hope that others will decide to rescue an animal this holiday season.
