By Patrick Beech
In 2017, Wong Che Wey and his wife adopted a paraplegic dog.
Determined to give “Frosty” a better life, they began looking for solutions for its physical condition.
However, the results of all X-rays were not favourable and Frosty had no hope of walking again.
Wong then began scouting for solutions and came upon a company in the United States that built wheelchairs for dogs.
However, the cost, including transportation would be over RM2,000, which was too much for the couple to bear.
Not wanting to give up, Wong decided to make one for Frosty and began watching YouTube to learn the basics.
Frosty, the inspiration behind Dog Wheelchair Malaysia.
Wong, who is a training manager then began using his free time and after some trial and error in September, he fashioned a wheelchair for Frosty.
He discovered that he could use raw materials such as PVC pipes for the frame, foam and plastic wheels from children’s bicycles, as well as some cloth for the harness, saving him some hard-earned money.
Wong made the wheelchair specially fitted for Frosty’s disability, restoring mobility to the dog’s paralysed legs.
Seeing Frosty being given a new chance at life, Wong realised that he wanted other disabled dogs to feel the same way Frosty did and started a Facebook page to showcase the wheelchair he made.
Through the Facebook page, Dog Wheelchair Malaysia, many dog owners reached out to him to get affordable walking aids for their pets.
Back in Action: A Happy Customer of Dog Wheelchair Malaysia. (Image source: Dog Wheelchair Malaysia Facebook)
In comparison to the wheelchairs sold by the company in the US, his wheelchairs do not cost any more than RM400.
Another Satisfied Customer! (Image Source: Dog Wheelchair Malaysia Facebook)
Even though his wheelchairs cater toward dogs, Wong noted that he has also been approached to make wheelchairs for bigger animals such as goats, cows and horses, which he has turned down.
“I won’t even take in orders from dogs above 45kgs, as the pipes I use can’t withstand the weight,” he said.
Famous Clients: Wong (left), his wife and child, and Frosty, alongside Harith Iskander, his wife, Dr. Jezamine Lim and their adopted dog, Marvella (Marvella sadly passed away in June.)
With the growing number of pets being put to sleep due to their disabilities, Wong hopes his story with Frosty and his initiative will give other pet owners some hope.
(All images from Dog Wheelchair Malaysia Facebook)
