Man Makes Wheelchairs for Pets with Disabilities
By Gabriele Tancredo Stella in Warm Your Heart
Ten years ago, a man named Luis Carlos, now 75 years old, who lives in Minas Gerais, Brazil, decided to contribute to the animal cause by building wheelchairs for disabled cats and dogs. His good deed has benefited many pets in the southern region of Minas Gerais.
In an interview with Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian website about pet news), Luis explained that his charitable work relies on donations from generous individuals. With these donations, he acquires the necessary materials and, through his volunteer work, builds wheelchairs for disabled animals.
The owners of these pets also help with acquiring the materials, and if the animal recovers and no longer needs the equipment, they return it so that other pets can use it.
"Since then, I have made over 130 chairs," declared Luis.
Luis Carlos not only helps local animals, but also those living in neighboring cities.
The work doesn’t have a name and isn’t a formal project, but it represents a beautiful gesture of solidarity and empathy toward animals in need.
The Work
It all started in October 2013, when Luis rescued two stray puppies: one with normal mobility and the other struggling with locomotion.
Both were taken to the vet, where they stayed for 15 days. While one of the puppies made a full recovery, the other, unfortunately, did not survive.
"During that time, I just petted her."
Since then, he hasn’t stopped building the chairs, helping both pets whose owners couldn’t afford to buy them and those who were abandoned on the streets with no one to help.
The chairs are made from basic materials like PVC pipes, fabric, and straps, and the structure is similar to that of a doll or baby carriage. Despite their simplicity, they are made with great care and dedication.
"It is very rewarding to see a pet walk again with the help of a wheelchair, and many of them, with treatment, can eventually walk without one."
Luis says his motto is: "The wheelchair helps, but it doesn't heal. The veterinarian is the one who heals."
This action is inspiring and shows how love for animals can make a difference in their lives.
Check out some of the pets who have benefited from Luis's wheelchairs.
Owners make a wheelchair for their disabled dog.
The owners of a mixed-breed dog named Pelezinho, through love and creativity, made an adapted wheelchair for their dog, who lost movement due to distemper.
The wheelchair is made from PVC pipes and fabric (the same materials Luis uses) and includes pedals on the back legs to stimulate movement.