Puffy the pooch is running on pedal power

HIT THE PAWS Puffy’s cart A DOG who lost the use of her legs in a road accident has been helped to walk again thanks to a state-of-the-art pedal chair.

Chinese crested pooch Puffy was hit by a car in January 2015, losing the nerve connection to her hind legs. Vets could not save them and suggested putting her down. But owners Michael and Danielle Cass refused to give up on Puffy, who had belonged to Danielle’s late mother Jo.

She had six weeks of physio and hydrotherapy before going home where Michael’s dad built a wheelchair using plastic plumbing, cart wheels and a harness.

After a check-up in December they were told about a new stateof-the-art wheelchair. It promised to make walking easier while helping to rehabilitate her hind legs – but it cost £1,500.

Michael and Danielle set up a crowdfunding appeal which was picked up by their local paper and they soon hit their target.

Puffy powers the Kerdog pedal cart by walking on her front legs which in turn moves her paralysed rear legs, keeping them toned and preventing muscle wastage.

Seven-year-old Puffy now puts less weight through her shoulders and is less likely to suffer arthritis.

Michael, 29, of Thatcham, Berks, said: “She’s really enjoying life so we’re really glad we put in all the effort we could for her.”