Monday I had the opportunity to visit the local SPCA animal shelter in Picayune to see a handicapped dog receive her first wheelchair.

It was an adorable experience, to say the least. Maisy was brought into the shelter by a Pearl River County Sheriff Department deputy a few weeks ago, unable to use her back legs. 

A couple of volunteers at the shelter designed and built Maisy a custom wheelchair, partially with donations from a local upholstery shop. 

Maisy was wrapped up in her new sheepskin-lined harness prior to securing her back legs to the wheelchair. 

It was amazing to see the crowd that gathered for the shelter’s first puppy wheelchair. 

Everyone appeared to enjoy seeing Maisy pull herself up and wheel herself around the shelter. 

Though Maisy had no problem scooting herself around with her front legs before, she was as happy as ever once she got her new wheels. 

The shelter really wasn’t sure what happened to Maisy before she came to them, but they have since taken her in and love her despite her physical ailments. 

For many of us, it can be inspiring to see our neighbors do so much for beloved pets, even a stray like Maisy. 

A fellow pet lover myself, it was rewarding to see how happy Maisy appeared to be once she was again able to do what any other dog could without a second thought. 

Sometimes though we can still struggle to show that same compassion for both our pets and our fellow community members. 

It’s important to remember that whether it’s a dog or a neighbor, everyone needs a little extra help sometimes.