Disabled border collie ‘wakes up happy every day’



Roosevelt waits for others to catch up during a walk in the woods
on Saturday in Portland. He was named after one of the most
famous wheelchair users, President Franklin D. Roosevelt

PORTLAND, Maine — When Stephanie Fox went to see the puppy almost three years ago at New England Border Collie Rescue, she knew the breed didn’t always make the best pet. As an experienced owner of other border collies, she was well aware of their need for constant work and attention. So how much more of a challenge would it be if she adopted one with deformed front legs?

“The only difference between Roosevelt and other dogs is that instead of a collar I snap on his wheels to take him out,” she said.

“People think he should have been put down because they think he’s suffering,” she said. “But he wakes up happy every day. If you had a child with a disability you’d try to enrich them, give them opportunities. So why not do the same with a dog?”