Sit Down Dog Wheelchairs
Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary Recues Special Needs Baby Emu
Only 2-months old, baby emu Lemu has never walked on his own. When the Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary rescued him, Lemu was half the size of his siblings. Lemu's previous owner got him when he was three weeks old. At week 4 he slipped his tendon leaving him unable to walk. His veterinarian advised his caretakers to wrap the tendon in place and gave him medication to help the tendon. Unfortunately, neither the medicine nor bandaging helped. Without rehabilitation, Lemu would be unable to get better.
Lemu's Rescue Story
Lemu's family knew that he needed more help than they were able to give and searched for a special place that would allow him to happily live out his days. Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary specializes in caring for disabled animals and wanted to do everything they could when they heard his story!
Lemu’s rescue wasn’t an easy one. The baby emu was so far away that Rhonda put out the call for help among her supporters. With Lemu living in Wisconsin, the North Carolina-based rescue needed to rely on help from others to get him to his new home safely. Four different volunteers shared the over 850-mile journey to Franklin, NC. Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary's amazing followers really stepped up! From Margaret to Karen, from Karen to Holly, from Holly to home. As Rhonda awaiting the little emu's arrival she got to work preparing everything he would need. Rhonda secured an enclosure for him to stay in (yes in the house), fruits and veggies just for him and a Walkin' Wheels wheelchair that was currently not being used.
Lemu Gets His Wheels
His caretakers knew that to give Lemu the emu his best chance, he needed to be mobile quickly. To get him walking, Lemu would require the support of a wheelchair. With seven of their goats already using Walkin’ Wheels wheelchairs, the rescue team knew just what to do! Fast forward to a few days after his arrival the wheelchair would work but Rhonda needed to come up with some kind of sling. So she hand towel with three holes (2 legs and a poop hole) along with a chicken sling and some vet wrap! Rhonda says, "When you run a sanctuary you learn to become very crafty."
With a quad or four-wheel wheelchair for support, Lemu would get the help he needed to walk and stand on his own. Lemu surprised everyone when quickly after one little push, Lemu took off at a run!
Meet the Other Wheelie Warriors Who Call BVFAS Home
Lemu the emu might be the newest member of the Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary, but he’s not the only one that loves his Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair. Meet a few of the other special needs animals who call this sanctuary home:
Chester
Chester is a mixed breed Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goat. He was born with contracted tendons in his hind legs, so Chester underwent an unsuccessful surgery to fix his back legs.
But Chester has never let that slow him down! Chester gets around easily with the use of his Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair.
Peach
After being attacked by dogs, Peach and her herd mates were left for dead. Not found until the following day, Peach was severely injured and left unable to move her back legs.
The BVFAS immediately took her on, not knowing if she’d make it. Through their love and care, Peach has healed from her injuries. Although her caretakers don’t know if she’ll ever fully regain the use of her back legs, a quad wheelchair gives this paralyzed goat the support she needs to live her best life!
Leigha
Born in 2020, Leigha was diagnosed with valgus and flexural deformities in both her back legs. Due to her condition, Leigha’s hind legs are permanently crossed, and she is unable to bear any weight.
Although her veterinarian suggested she be euthanized, Leigha was growing and happy – her family knew she deserved more. The BVFAS gave Leigha a set of wheels and a second chance.
Clover
When Clover the goat first came to BVFAS, she had an old back injury that left her dragging herself with her front legs. Her dragging had caused sores and callouses to form on her legs. Getting Clover upright and walking made a world of difference.
Now she’s happy and mobile in her Walkin’ Wheels! The largest of all the disabled goats, Clover is always excited to get up every morning and get outside.
Fiona
Fiona is a Katahdin lamb. Her birth was a difficult one; she was the only one of her three siblings to survive birth. Her mother managed to stay alive long enough to give birth to Fiona before succumbing herself.
Although Fiona struggles with her back leg, she’s a determined little lamb and has a good chance of walking without her wheelchair as she ages!
Rocky
Rocky is a Silky Fainting Goat who was rescued from Tennessee. He was born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia which impacts his coordination and balance.
Although his movements are uncoordinated with physical therapy and his wheelchair, Rocky enjoys every day at the farm.
To donate to Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary:
Visit the BVFAS website to support and learn more about the Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary incredible mission.
All photos are courtesy of Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary
