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A Colorado woman is thanking her community after they helped her replace her elderly dog’s stolen wheelchair.
In an interview with CBS News On Nov. 18, Megan Caligiuri of Englewood shared how her senior’s dog wheelchair was stolen and how the community responded to the theft.
Caligiuri said he has owned Grif, a rescued Schnauzer mix, for nearly 15 years. She said she and her dog are always active, traveling around the country and going on 10-mile hikes.
Naturally, as Grif grew older, the trips became shorter.
Grif is a little more energetic for his age, but he can no longer walk without assistance.
So Caligiuri bought Griff a dog wheelchair to help with his weak hind legs so he could take him on adventures (however brief).
The wheelchair has been a game-changer for Griff, Caligiuri said. “Someone saw him driving his truck around in the snow and said, ‘He’s such an inspiration!'”
But sadly, on the night of November 18th, someone stole the senior dog’s wheels.
Caligiuri explained: “I take my shoes off every time I go for a walk. They’re dirty so I leave them outside. He rolls around in things.”
“The next morning, he’s so much better for his next walk. When I go outside, they’re gone. I can’t believe that someone would steal a wheelchair from a disabled dog. ” Caligiuri said.
After the robbery, Caligiuri filed a police report and posted about it on the neighborhood social app Nextdoor, hoping someone would help find his dog’s missing wheel.
Although small, dog wheelchairs are not affordable. So Caligiuri wanted to bring back the dog’s wheels.
But what Caligiuri didn’t expect was the reaction from the community that saw her post.
“More than 80 people responded and offered donations, resources and support.” Caligiuri said it was heartwarming to see so much compassion, before revealing:
She also reveals: “Someone said they saw a man on a bicycle with what looked like wheels on it, acting as a trailer.”
Now, news has spread through the community that Griff’s wheelchair has been stolen.
This is how Kathryn Groenewald and her parent company Poe Prosper walking pets,Understood.
Walkin’ Pets is a company that provides wheelchairs and support products to improve pet mobility. And Groenewald said the team was heartbroken to hear about the theft of Griff’s wheelchair.
So Groenewald and her team got to work, handing over Griff’s new wheels on Thursday, November 21st.
“Our team works hard to ensure each chair fits your dog perfectly.” said Groenewald.
“We hope that Griff and Megan will be able to enjoy more happy days together as a result.”
Now, Caligiuri and Griff are able to continue their adventures and enjoy their walks thanks to the kindness of the community.
Caligiuri told CBS News: “I’m really overwhelmed by the kindness of people. This is how he gets around, enjoys life and experiences life.”
“My faith in humanity has been restored. Thank you so much everyone.”
