N.W.T. SPCA shelter dog with degenerative disease gets a wheelchair

A 10-year-old German shepherd who lost the use of his hind legs is now running laps around N.W.T. SPCA volunteers thanks to a brand new wheelchair.

"We are having a hard time keeping up with him," said Dana Martin, vice-president of the N.W.T. SPCA.

The dog, who is named Sucky, came to the SPCA shelter in Yellowknife from Lutselk'e, Northwest Territories. Degenerative myelopathy, a disease that sometimes affects older dogs, has weakened his hind legs. The disease is progressive but is not painful.

"The condition will degenerate further; it's not going to get better," Martin said. "But his life is definitely improved.

"He's a really happy dog. He loves his new wheels."

Martin says before the wheelchair, workers at the shelter walked Sucky by holding up his hindquarters with a towel. The wheelchair cost about $700.

Martin says Sucky is available for adoption.