One of life’s greatest joys for Shaine Kilyun is giving an animal a new chance at life.
With a love for animals with disabilities, she started watching YouTube tutorials two years ago to learn how to create wheelchairs for pets. It would take a lot of trial and error, but eventually, Shaine figured it out.
Now her creations are officially named Wheelies Dog and Cat Wheelchairs, and more information about them can be found on her official Instagram page. Since launching, Shaine has been able to help 10 animals, including dogs, cats, a turtle, a guinea pig, and soon, a duck.
“I just love animals, and I wanted to make a difference somehow,” Shaine said. “I’ve saved a few lives, and I really hope to save more.”
One of those lives includes Scooter, a dog aptly named since he doesn’t have hind legs and now has to “scoot” everywhere. He’s originally from Saudi Arabia but came to the U.S. through Home For Life Animal Sanctuary, an organization that helps animals whom many would consider to be “unadoptable.”
At just 2 years old, sweet Scooter was already developing sores and lesions from where his legs would rub against the ground. If left that way for long, he risked getting an infection.
But thanks to Shaine, it never had to reach that point. Scooter took a moment to adjust to his new “legs,” but within minutes he was running around, happy as can be!
At age 16, Shaine has proven herself to have so much empathy and compassion for others. Despite the time and effort it takes to make these animal wheelchairs, she never makes a profit.
All she charges is what it costs to make them, which tends to be $300. This is a game changer because most devices like hers cost around $1,000.
“We’re a non-profit and a charity,” said Lisa Leverdiere of Home For Life Animal Sanctuary, one of Shaine’s clients. “It’s very hard to raise money in these times, so it’s hard for her to make not one cart but two carts for us – probably saved us close to $1,000.”
Shaine has shown pets and their owners so much kindness, and now she’s getting some kindness right back. As word spread of Wheelies Dog and Cat Wheelchairs, a number of people donated money to cover the cost of creating the devices.
“A lot of people have reached out and donated, which is just incredible,” Shaine said. “I never would have imagined this happening.”
If you’d like to help Shaine save another sweet creature’s life, donations can be made via Zelle to Wheeliesdogwheelchairs@gmail.com.
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