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Man Builds Special “Chariot” So Elderly Golden Can Still Go On Adventures.

Donny Marchuk of Calgary, Canada, has always led an active life.

Videos by InspireMore

For more than 14 years, his constant sidekick on his outdoor hikes, climbs, and snowshoe treks has been his adorable golden retriever. But when Sully could no longer keep up, Donny had to get creative!

Aside from the usual aches and pains associated with old age, Sully has laryngeal paralysis, which makes it difficult for him to breathe. He’s still willing to jump off the couch and accompany his dad on adventures, but physically, he’s just not up to the task anymore.

“As soon as I leave the house, he wants to come. He just kind of lights up when he gets to go,” Donny explained. “When he was younger and we were hiking and trail running in Yoho and Kananaskis… any hike I go on, Sully was up for it, and he misses that.” 

After giving it some thought, Donny borrowed an old three-wheel stroller from a friend and converted it into “Sully’s adventure chariot.” It worked perfectly! Now, Sully can go with him just about everywhere, and he couldn’t be happier about it.

When wheels won’t do, Donny adds ski or snowshoeing attachments to Sully’s chariot, so they can traverse just about any terrain. While the scenery doesn’t matter to Sully, he visibly perks up whenever his chariot comes out!

“Even if it’s around the neighborhood, just for a walk, he’s been sitting up like he’s the happiest person in the world,” Donny said.

Aside from the delight on Sully’s face, Donny said another perk of the chariot is seeing how strangers react.

“Rarely does a person go by without stopping and wanting to talk and smiling,” he added. “And it kind of warms our hearts knowing that we put a smile on their face as well.” 

Sully has gotten his human through plenty of tough times, so this is just one way Donny tries to repay him for all his love and companionship. “He’s given so much to me that it’s only fair that every second I get now I can give that back to him.”

What a sweet ride! This is the perfect way to accommodate his canine bestie’s ever-changing needs!

Share this story to wish them well on all their adventures.

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