Dog Names Meaning Miracle

Wheely Willy was a paraplegic Chihuahua who quickly became a celebrity and captured the hearts of many.  He was the featured subject of two best-selling children's books and made frequent public guest appearances. This small dog with the specially designed wheelchair even appeared on Animal Planet. However, his life was not always so happy. 

Willy was born in 1991. As a small puppy, he was founded abandoned in a cardboard box. The pup suffered severe spinal cord injuries as a result of physical abuse and trauma. The severely abused puppy was taken to a local veterinary hospital in California. The medical staff treated Willy and kept him for a year. However, after they were unsuccessful at finding the handicapped dog a home, they decided to euthanize him. Deborah Turner, a local dog groomer, heard about Willy and decided to give him a chance despite his physical problems. 

Unable to move on his own, Willy had to be carried everywhere. Deborah tried to fashion a skateboard as a mode of transportation for the small dog. She even put helium balloons on his hindquarters to provide support. Unfortunately,  all of her inventions failed to give him mobility. One day Deborah came across an advertisement for canine carts, which are specially designed canine wheelchairs. She promptly purchased one for Willy, and he fell in love with it. For the first time, he could move around on his own. His success using the wheelchair quickly gained media attention. 

Deborah started to take Willy to visit local hospitals as a morale booster for him and the patients. Willy even participated in several events such as the Cystic Fibrosis Fun Walk and the famous Los Angeles Marathon. 

Willy relished the freedom that his new wheelchair provided. He started to appear on television shows and even a few news programs. Everywhere this feisty dog went he won hearts. His upbeat and loving personality was terrific considering the horrible abuse he had suffered at such a young and impressionable age. 

Unfortunately, Wheely Willy died on December 22, 2009, as a result of injuries the small dog sustained when his owner fell off a wet, rain-soaked porch while carrying him. Deborah and Willy were both hurt in the fall, but Willy was unable to recover. 

Even though Willy's life was cut short due to a tragic accident, he was still considered a miracle.  He overcame significant odds and flourished in the loving care of his owner.