A Colorado woman is thankful for her community after they came together to replace her senior dog’s stolen wheelchair.
In an interview with CBS News on November 18, Megan Caligiuri of Englewood reveals how her senior’s dog wheelchair got stolen and how her community responded to the theft.
Caligiuri said that she has owned a rescued Schnauzer mix, named Griff, for almost 15 years. According to her, she and her dog have always been active – they travel the country and go on 10-mile hikes.
Naturally, as Griff got older, the trips became shorter.
And while Griff is a little bit energetic for his age, he can no longer walk without assistance.
So, in order to still be able to take Griff on adventures (no matter how short they are), Caligiuri bought him a dog wheelchair that helps with the pooch’s weakened hind legs.
The wheelchair was a game changer for Griff, Caligiuri said. “Someone saw him trucking around in the snow and was like, ‘He’s such an inspiration!”
However, on the night of November 18, someone sadly stole the senior pooch’s wheels.
Caligiuri explained, “I take them off after every walk. I leave them outside because they’re dirty. He rolls around through stuff.”
“The next morning, he’s pretty jazzed for his next walk. I go outside and they’re gone. I have no faith left in humanity that someone would steal a disabled dog’s wheelchair,” Caligiuri said.
After the robbery, Caligiuri filed a police report and posted about it on the neighborhood social app, Nextdoor, hoping someone can help her find her dog’s missing wheels.
Even though they’re small, dog wheelchairs are not affordable. So, Caligiuri wanted to get back her dog’s wheels.
However, what Caligiuri didn’t expect was the reaction from her community when they saw her post.
“Over 80 people responded, offering donations, resources, and support,” Caligiuri reveals after saying that it was heartwarming to see that much compassion.
She also reveals, “Someone said they saw a guy on a bike, with what looked like the wheels, serving as a trailer.”
Now, the news of Griff’s stolen wheelchair has spread across the community.
And that’s how Kathryn Groenewold with Paw Prosper, the parent company of Walkin’ Pets, found out.
Walkin’ Pets is a company that offers wheelchairs and support products to improve pet mobility. And Groenewold said the story of Griff’s stolen wheelchair left her team heartbroken.
So, Groenewold and her team got to work and hand-delivered Griff’s brand new wheels on Thursday, November 21.
“Our team works very hard to make sure that each chair is perfectly fitting for the dog,” said Groenewold.
“We hope that Griff and Megan are going to be able to enjoy more good days together as a result.”
Now, Caligiuri and Griff can continue on with their adventures and enjoy their walks thanks to the kindness of their community.
Caligiuri tells CBS News, “I feel so overwhelmed by the kindness of people. This is how he gets around and how he enjoys life and experiences life.”
“My faith in humanity has been restored. Thank you, everyone, so much.”