A dog stricken with cancer is getting around on a special ride, courtesy of employees of Home Depot.
The 15-year-old mixed-breed canine, named Ike, is suffering from incurable bone cancer in one of his rear legs. Veterinarians predict the animal has between two and six months to live.
Ike loves to people watch, and walk around Manhattan Beach, California with his human companions.
Risa Feldman adopted the dog 12 years ago, and she wants to provide her canine companion with the best possible life during the time he has left.
Two Home Depot employees created a new wagon that will allow Feldman to easily bring Ike outside, in order to enjoy the outdoors and socialization with humans visiting the beach.
"He's so happy to watch everybody. It's his favorite thing to do. He'll lay there in the sun," Feldman said.
Ike was already using a wheeled cart that sat under his hind legs, allowing mobility, as the dog pulled his body using his front legs. However, the canine quickly tired while moving around while using the device. So Feldman asked employees at Home Depot to help design a system that would allow Ike to travel without as much effort.
Ernesto Moran and Justin Wadman, two employees of the home improvement store, took Feldman up on the challenge.
"I showed him the cart that I was trying to use and I asked him, 'What can I do to change this cart and build it so that it's longer for his size?' He just shook his head and said, 'Let me give it some thought and I'll call you later," Feldman said.
"Ike's Trike" has a ramp, so the animal can easily enter the cart, as well as a cushion to help keep him comfortable while he is out on journeys to the beach or elsewhere.
"I offered to build this for her and let her know that it's something that Home Depot offers - giving back to our customers," Moran told the press.
Feldman believes Ike will be overjoyed with the new specially-designed cart.
When Ike is happy, "it's almost like a smile. His face, it lights up," Feldman told a local ABC affiliate.
Feldman said she brought the story to the attention of the press to show that people still do good deeds, and are willing to help others in need.
Video detailing the construction of the new cart is available on a local ABC Web site.
Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr
