Slow and steady wins the race!
George Bailey, a giant 11-year-old sulcate tortoise from Knoxville, Tennesee, is walking on his own for the first time in his life thanks to a new custom-made wheelchair.
The 70-pound reptile suffers from a metabolic bone disease which prevents his hind legs from fully forming and his muscles from working properly. Since sulcate tortoises can live to over 100 years old, his mom, Jamie Loebener, jumped in to save the animal from an unlikely fate.
“He uses his front legs to pull his way around slowly and clumsily. The bigger he's gotten, the more difficult this has been for him," Loebener says. "He currently weighs close to 70 lbs, but may grow to over 200 lbs."
Loebener reached out to Walkin’ Pets, a pet mobility company based out of New Hampshire who has now given George Bailey a second chance at life.
The company provided the animal with a specially-made wheelchair that helps him move without the help of his back legs. The complex design features a convex support structure to accommodate the natural contour of George’s under shell, with a harnessing system designed to expand as the tortoise grows.
Loebener says that George took to his new wheels right away, the company says.
“Introducing the FIRST-EVER giant tortoise in the Walkin' Wheels, taking his very first steps!!! 😍😍😍” Walkin' Pets says on Instagram. “We are so happy to have helped such a special soul.”
Walkin’ Pets has provided a number of different types of handicapped animals with a back set of wheels, including dogs, cats, goats, pigs, and even ducks.
"We believe that our aging, disabled, and injured pets are family and deserve to live happy, healthy lives," the company website states.
"Walkin’ Pets endeavors to help people learn that there are alternatives to euthanasia, and that aging, disabled, and injured pets can often live a high-quality life for many years."
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