'Lucky' The Dog Gets New Leash On Life

DENVER (CBS4) - It's a happy ending and fresh start for a handicapped dog rescued by a local organization.

"Lucky" the dog got a new leash on life with a family who learned about Lucky by watching CBS4.

Lucky is learning to walk again with help from his new dog-sized wheelchair. About 2 months ago Lucky had just arrived in Denver under the care of Royal Rescue, a local nonprofit organization. The dog is unable to walk on his hind legs after being hit by a car. Now he's being given a second chance.

"We've been doing molecular therapy with him, laser treatment, massage, swimming and he's been on a lot of medication because he came with tapeworm, whitworm and a lot of internal infections," Jules Hill said.

Hill has nursed Lucky back to health after rescuing him from a pen in Missouri. The donated wheelchair allows for better mobility.

Lucky was not just given a new wheelchair but also a new home complete with a wheelchair accessible ramp not just for the dog, but also his owner, 16-year-old David Cramer.

"I have spinal bifida and cannot move my legs," Cramer said.

Cramer was one of a number of people chosen to care for Lucky after a post on CBS4's Facebook page. Their stories were similar.

"He's got special needs just like I am," Cramer said. "I've been in a wheelchair my whole life, pretty much."

Both Cramer and Lucky get around in coincidentally matching blue wheelchairs. For Cramer, receiving the dog was an emotional experience. Hill couldn't find of a more appropriate home.

"Thank you very much. I'm happy I got him," Cramer said.

Royal Rescue says that along with the accident, X-rays showed that Lucky had a bullet lodged in his spine. Despite his rough start he's adjusting to his new home just fine.