CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Bleu, a French Bulldog living in Clinton Township, Michigan, was one of 13 winners of the third annual worldwide Walkin' Pets by HandicappedPets.com calendar contest, featuring dogs using wheelchairs. The popular contest helps spread awareness of how specially-abled pets can live active lives. Winners were selected by popular vote on Facebook during the month of August out of a pool of 238 contestants from 31 countries and 40 U.S. states, all photographed using their Walkin' Wheels wheelchairs.
Melissa Kellar got Bleu close to three years ago when the pup was just eight weeks old and suffering from various ailments due to poor breeding practices. Earlier this year, Bleu became paralyzed in her back end due to a large blood clot on her spine; spinal surgery, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and lots of rehab did not restore movement. The Walkin' Wheels enables her to have an active life, regardless of her mobility challenges.
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Although Bleu requires extra caretaking now, Melissa wouldn't have it any other way. Melissa says, "Bleu is the love of my life! She goes everywhere with me. Other than not being able to use her back end, she really has no idea she's handicapped. She's always my happy little pumpkin, bouncing around and giving kisses to everyone who comes to visit her!"
A video of Bleu and the other calendar contest winners, as well as photos of all 238 calendar contestants and calendar pre-order information can be found here: www.handicappedpets.com/calendar-contest. Proceeds from sales of the 2018 Walkin' Pets Calendar will go to the Handicapped Pets Foundation (hpets.org).
And just for fun, Walkin' Pets released an original music video featuring pets in wheelchairs (including several calendar winners).
Bleu's winning photo attached; high-resolution photo available upon request, as well as other photos of Bleu and the other calendar winners.
Walkin' Pets by HandicappedPets.com is an online pet product company serving the needs of disabled, injured, and aging pets and their owners. Signature products include the Walkin' Wheels adjustable dog wheelchair, the Walkin' Lift Combo Harness, Walkin' Dog Boots, and more. 105 Route 101A, Suite 18 Amherst, NH 03031, (888) 253-0777, www.walkinpets.com.