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 legsis now running laps around N.W.T. SPCA volunteersthanks to a brand new wheelchair.

"We are having a hard time keeping up with him," saidDana Martin, vice-president ofthe N.W.T.SPCA.

The dog, who is namedSucky, came to theSPCAshelter in YellowknifefromLutselk'e, Northwest Territories. Degenerative myelopathy, a disease that sometimes affects older dogs, hasweakened 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 saysSucky is available for adoption.