Wheely Willy and Deb Turner Accident Recovery
Broken Bones and Surgery Do Not Stop Therapy Work of Aging Chihuahua
Mar 23, 2009
Known as Wheely Willy because of the wheelcart he requires to get around, the little two pound Chihuahua has educated, inspired, and entertained thousands of handicapped children; however, an accident in January proved the power of love between Willy and Deborah.
Wheely Willy's Adoption and Therapy Work
Willy’s first documentation was as an injured and abandoned dog in a California pet shelter. In addition to his inability to walk, he could not even cry for help as his vocal cords had been severed. He had languished at the shelter for about a year when Deborah Turner, a pet groomer, met him there. Her compassion would not allow her to leave him. She took him home and promised to always be there for him.
A naturally joyful little dog, Willy was delighted to go everywhere with Deborah. He went with her to the mall, the hair salon, the bank, and even restaurants and a Broadway show in New York. Willy and Deborah appeared on many TV shows and traveled to hospitals, schools, and events educating and inspiring children. Their children's book, How Willy Got His Wheels, tells of the humorous experiences leading up to the fitting of Willy's tiny doggy wheelchair.
Wheely Willy and Deborah Turner's Accident
The pair became inseparable and their bond of love grew incredibly strong but it seems that when things are going great, life always throws a curve. Earlier this year, Deborah, while carrying Willy, took a nasty fall. Both suffered severe injuries. Deborah wore a cast and required crutches and a wheelchair for many weeks. Poor little old Willy endured several surgeries to remove teeth that had been knocked loose and to have pins placed into his broken femur bone. Veterinarians are optimistic that his broken jawbone will heal on its own while Willy eats only soft foods for several weeks.
At a time when some dog owners might have taken an aging Willy to Rainbow Bridge, Deborah lovingly tended him while she herself recuperated with the help of wonderful friends. In spite of it all, she reports that Willy has remained his same old loving, cheerful self.
Willy and Deborah Recover and Resume Therapy Work
Both Willy and Deborah are recovering well and have resumed therapy work and appearances for humane education. As Deborah tenderly places Willy in his little wheelcart at the recent Western Veterinary Convention in Las Vegas, an abundance of gray on the once dark colored Chihuahua is evidence of his many years on earth.
So what keeps a dog who is the approximate equivalent of 96 human years old going through adversity, aging, and accidents? Willy’s fans are convinced it’s the strong bond of love that Willy and Deborah share.
Learn more about the work of this incredible team at WheelyWilly.com. Pet owners with an older dog may be interested in how to care for aging dogs or whether their own pup could be a good therapy dog.
 |
