Dog Plays Fetch Again Thanks to New Wheelchair

Rescue dog Marley always had signs of hip dysplasia, and some times the pain was so severe she limped a little. Marley’s owner and best friend Athena knew that Marley’s hips could pose a problem, but she never thought it would be as sudden or as devastating.

One Boxer Makes a Big Difference

When 12-year-old Marley came smiling into Athena Carriere’s life she left a lasting impression. Marley was a carefree and happy dog. Always ready to make a new friend and play fetch. Marley’s impact was immediate and long lasting. She inspired Athena to begin her own rescue, The Green Ark. The Green Ark focuses on removing dogs from high kill shelters and finding them forever homes. Many of the dog’s Athena saves are senior dogs or animals with special needs. Athena chooses to focus on the hardest, most unadoptable dogs providing hope and homes for animals who need both. In the last few years, the Green Ark has saved over 1,000 lives.

A Dog with a Strong Will to Live

A week and a half ago, after over a decade of being together and living life to the fullest Marley’s life changed dramatically. Marley was the self-appointed official greeter, never missing an opportunity to make a friend. When Athena’s friend came to visit she was shocked that Marley didn’t race to the door to say hello. Worried, Athena searched the house. She found Marley upstairs laying on her side, and unable to stand. Her hip dysplasia had progressed to a point where Marley was left completely paralyzed in her rear legs. Marley’s eyes still lit up when people came into the room, but quickly became frustrated that she couldn’t get up to greet them. Athena knew Marley wanted to get back on her feet and she was going to get Marley a wheelchair.

Asking for Help

Quickly posting on Social Media and reaching out to the public through local TV Station. And help came quickly. Athena’s facebook post was quickly spotted by Tanya Diable, the founder of Joey’s P.A.W. Tanya offered to donate a Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair for Marley and scheduled a wheelchair fitting at Walkin’ Pets in Amherst, NH for the very next day. Less than 24 hours of Marley’s story airing on WGME, Marley was getting back on her feet thanks to the kindness of strangers.

A Wheelchair Changes Everything

When Marley arrived at the Walkin’ Pets headquarters she was carried inside. Marley was visibly sad and frustrated. She wanted to get up and greet everyone helping her, but all she could do was lay there and wait. Everything changed the second she stepped into her Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair. Marley perked up and took off! Instantly walking around on her own, excited to greet all her new friends and ready to play fetch again! Thanks to her wheelchair Marley transformed back into her old self, the same smiling dog the Athena met over a decade ago. Marley headed up with new wheels, a pep in her step and ready to go play ball!