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Two-Legged Dog 'Ruby Roo' Gets 'Go-Cart'

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LAKELAND, Fla. -- Ruby Roo still seems confused by the metal-and-plastic contraption on wheels. Sitting inside it, the 5-month-old Chihuahua pushes herself forward with a few tentative steps and looks at her owner, Joel Hunter.

Her expression seems to say, "get me out of this thing so I can move!"

"She doesn't know she's disabled," Hunter said. "She hops all over the place like a rabbit."

Her unusual locomotion is not about showing off. Born with only nubs for front legs, it's the closest she comes to walking.

Hence the metal-and-plastic contraption.

It's a custom made cart that serves as the canine equivalent of a wheelchair. Once Ruby Roo masters it, she'll be able to engage in a dog's favorite pastime.

"She wants to chase other dogs," said Hunter. "And hasn't been able to do that."

Ruby Roo came to the Lakeland SPCA shortly after she was born. Her original owner surrendered her fearing he couldn't care for a handicapped dog.

"We knew there was no reason she couldn't live and find a home," said Lakeland SPCA Interim Executive Director Warren Cox.

An SPCA program called the Guardian Angel Fund for animals with medical problems would even pay the roughly $450 for a custom made cart if a suitable home could be found.

Enter Joel Hunter.

Already active in animal rescue -- "I have a three-legged dog, two that are blind, one's deaf" -- he was intrigued when he saw Roo's picture on the Lakeland SPCA's Web site, LoveMyspca.com.

When they met, Hunter saw, a "very feisty, small dog with a big heart."

Her name at the time was simply Roo, as in kangaroo. Hunter added Ruby. This is the south, after all, and Hunter says it's natural for southern females regardless of species to have two first names.

Once the owner match was made, the Lakeland SPCA sent Ruby Roo's measurements to K-9 Carts. All carts are custom made but Roo's was particularly unusual. The company says it makes an average of 100 carts a month. Only one or two are for strictly front limb impaired dogs.

Two weeks later, the finished cart came back to Lakeland. Hunter and and the SPCA staff were told not to expect a dramatic scene in which Ruby Roo realizes her newfound freedom and runs excitedly around the room the first time she got into the cart. Good thing.

"She just wanted to sit in it and didn't want to move," Hunter says.

K-9 Carts warned that it would take Ruby Roo a month to acclimate to her new device and recommended that she spend two 10-minute periods a day learning how to use it.

"She's got to learn how to walk again, really," said Cox. "This is all new to her."

Instead of pushing with both legs at the same time as she has done until now, she'll have to learn how to walk like, well, a dog.

The cart is adjustable enough to account for any growing Ruby Roo does. Steering the cart gives her the most problems.

Hunter says that even when she gains a command of the device, she won't spend all her time in it. But she will enjoy more normal mobility and she'll get to chase her playmates on more equal footing.

Tell us what you think about "Two-Legged Dog 'Ruby Roo' Gets 'Go-Cart' " below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.



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DEREKDEMANE
DEREKDEMANE
9 months ago
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You go Roo!
 
ladycrone43
ladycrone43
9 months ago
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Animals are incredible in their adaptability to circumstances. I have a cat whose hind legs are malformed due to a birth defect. She uses her front legs to get around and can even lift her hindquarters off the ground and balance on her front legs to run.
 
Jan P.
Jan P. (lakewoodliz)
9 months ago
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Most of the time our little friends adjust and although they may not be able to do some things, they do what they can and I don't think happiness or contentment with life is built around how mobile you are. If a pet is young, they usually find amazing ways to adapt to their handicaps and the only ones who think of them as handicapped are the owners/humans.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
9 months ago
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maggiethecat
maggiethecat
9 months ago
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One quote from the article says:
When they met, Hunter saw, a "very feisty, small dog with a big heart."
Rudy Roo isn't the only one with a big heart!
Bless you Hunter, The staff at Lakeland SPCA, & everyone else who has been involved in giving this little sweetie her mobile life!
 
Fran B.
Fran B. (keywestnorth)
10 months ago
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I have heard about others doing this with Corgis.. this is wonderful!
 
Delores R.
Delores R. (Draines22)
10 months ago
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It is great what they can do for animals now.
 
Bobby D.
Bobby D. (dallisbo)
10 months ago
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That is great!
 
Becky S.
Becky S. (msbstam)
10 months ago
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I also have a special needs dog. She is a mini schnauzer, 2 years old and we rescued her from a breeder. She was boen with spina bifida and doesn't know she has back legs. We flew up last December to get her wheels from K-9 carts in Maryland. She now goes all over and loves the dog park where she can run around with the other dogs. She is the light in our family, we adore her. She's always happy and gives lots of kisses. That's the reward, her kisses. Thanks for sharing this story. There is also a book about a 2 legged dog named willi. It's a great little book. msbstam
 
Robyn
Robyn (robyn101)
10 months ago
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I am glad Ruby Roo has a cart. The cart will take some stress off her 2 legs she has been using so much. Hope you give Ruby Roo a pat on her little head from me.
 
Jackie L.
Jackie L. (jackielandry)
10 months ago
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I enjoyed learning of Ruby Roo and the situation. I sure hope he does well
 
Marla W.
Marla W. (marlawo)
10 months ago
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I hope he doesn't get to carried away. I'm so happy for she.
 
Marla G.
Marla G. (marla1970)
10 months ago
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can you imagine the other dogs when this wild little thing on wheels comes chasing after them! lol! great story!
 
Denise L.
Denise L. (WonderWeezy)
10 months ago
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I'm so glad for inventions like this & people who care!
 
Jene B.
Jene B. (horsemom2)
10 months ago
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I am glad someone has committed to make her life better. She will be a remarkable little dog.
 
Mary R.
Mary R. (MaryEllenRiker)
10 months ago
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Way to go Ruby Roo! Have fun with it!
 
Brandi S.
Brandi S. (Sugarpi24)
10 months ago
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Aww im glad that roo gets a chance at having a some what normal dog life now! Ive seen other handicap animals and most dont even realize that they are, its great to see them not suffer! Good luck Roo!!!
 
fabienne l.
fabienne l. (Fabienne)
11 months ago
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I hope he is doing good
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
11 months ago
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Caitlin C.
Caitlin C. (caitlinella)
11 months ago
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What a wonderful little dog. I'm glad that she can lead a normal life.
 
Melanie
Melanie (mfqz)
11 months ago
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It's heartwarming to read something about people with big hearts!
 
l8dybird
l8dybird
11 months ago
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Its nice to read articals like this, go Ruby Roo, great organizeation.
 
SwampRat
SwampRat
11 months ago
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I LOVE this article !! I could read it a TOUSAND TIMES !!

Just checkin' back to find an update..... let us know something, we're FOR RUBY ROO !!
 
SwampRat
SwampRat
11 months ago
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We're ALL on "Ruby-Roo's" side !!!

Keep us updated please !!
 
Julie M.
Julie M. (julie418)
11 months ago
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I love stories like this! I especially appreciate the people and organizations who take disabled animals in and do everything to give them the best life possible. Thanks for helping out Ruby Roo!
 
Helena P.
Helena P. (monarcbfly)
11 months ago
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You go, Ruby Roo! Animals with special needs deserve love too, and Ruby is definately getting it. That's great!
 
Caet G.
Caet G. (Caet)
11 months ago
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this dog is too cute! wonderful story. <3 and blessings.
 
Denise H.
Denise H. (Luckfarms)
11 months ago
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Bless her lucky heart!
 
Lee M.
Lee M. (gridmonkey13)
11 months ago
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This story put a smile on my face. That dog is adorable and I'm so happy that the SPCA could help her get around.
 
Katiemissy
Katiemissy
11 months ago
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What a great story! It warms my heart to know that the SPCA could help her, and that her new owner is giving her every chance for a full and happy life. Lucky dog and lucky people!
 
reemmy
reemmy
11 months ago
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Does she really need the cart? My sister has a dog with no front legs and she is definitely more happy without the cart!
 
Amy M.
Amy M. (AmyMisner)
11 months ago
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This is a very heartwarming story. I am glad that the dog was brought to a place willing to give this very lucky and unique dog a second chance. This is truely a great story with a happy ending.
 
Horsesareus
Horsesareus
11 months ago
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thats a cool story
 
DonnaCaldwell
DonnaCaldwell
11 months ago
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wow thats cool
 
Mark J.
Mark J. (MonarchMark)
11 months ago
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Great Story, I love hearing about this kind of news.
 
SwampRat
SwampRat
11 months ago
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I just stopped in for an update.

I'm wishing and praying for the best for "Ruby Roo" . . . she's got HEART !! I've seen many people just give up and sit there ... animals don't know what that is.

Before it's over, Ruby is gonna be contributing to helping HUMANS get around. Watch what I'm tellin ya.
 
cindy-lou J.
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this is a heart warming beautiful story, adorable dog
 
Kelly R.
Kelly R. (kroskams)
11 months ago
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bless the gentleman that adopted Ruby Roo she seems like a wonderful dog
 
Colleen H.
Colleen H. (tuxedocat1)
11 months ago
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It's really great to hear that an animal was given a second chance rather that being euthanized for not being the ideal adoptable pet. There are special people for special pets out there, they just need to find each other.
 
Jane
Jane (horselover1750)
11 months ago
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aww!! i am so glad that she is able to walk. i love how she doesn't know that she's diasbled, she just keeps going through life like that.
 
Heather H.
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I think it is so awesome how animals don't realize they are disabled and they just live their lives. I am glad Ruby Roo found a home that understands her needs. I think this is so cool that she will be able to chase the dogs now. Good Luck Ruby Roo and thanks Joel for giving her a great home.
 
JayneStorm
JayneStorm
11 months ago
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great for her
 
Diana L.
Diana L. (denali)
11 months ago
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Ruby Roo is a special dog that was sent to teach us all a lesson. We just need to learn from her. God Bless Ruby Roo.
 
Rebecca L.
Rebecca L. (Becca0815)
11 months ago
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awww....poor ruby roo
 
lindsey c.
lindsey c. (SnushKid)
11 months ago
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I'm glad this SPCA gave a disabled dog a chance and I'm really glad Ruby Roo got her cart!
 
Linda L.
Linda L. (MissLinda48)
11 months ago
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I hope Ruby Roo is liking her go cart!
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
11 months ago
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Carrie M.
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OMG! So cute!
 
Kelleylovesanimal
Kelleylovesanimal
11 months ago
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go ruby go! I am seeing this more often!
 
mike z.
mike z. (mzev)
11 months ago
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hope she takes to it well
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