When Mel and his owner Tom Dilworth met, it was love at first sight.
Dilworth was visiting a local shelter to see another dog when he first noticed Mel. The 8-year-old pit bull managed to capture Dilworth's heart after placing his big, adorable head on Dilworth's lap. Moments later, it was decided that Mel officially had a forever home.
Everything was great for a few weeks, until Mel's owners noticed something was off about their new pup. He couldn't seem to balance, and the problem worsened as time went on. His owners took him to the vet and received a devastating diagnosis.
It was discovered that Mel had a neurological disorder that would make walking very difficult for him.
Instead of allowing Mel's condition to keep him off his feet, his owners came up with a much better plan. They contacted Eddie's Wheels for Pets, an organization that makes customizable wheelchairs for animals!
Scroll down to find out what Mel thinks of his new set of wheels, and let us know what you think about this lovable pit bull in the comments!
[H/T: The Dodo]
Mel and his owner, Tom Dilworth, first met at the Yonkers Animal Shelter.
Dilworth was intending on checking out another dog, when he came across Mel. It was love at first sight.
A few weeks after Mel got settled into his new home, his owners noticed something was off about him.
He kept losing his balance and it was slowly getting worse over time. The vet explained that Mel's condition was due to a neurological disorder.
Instead of allowing this terrible news to bring them down, Mel's parents did something incredible.
They gifted him with a customizable wheelchair from Eddie's Wheels for Pets.
At first, the pit bull was unsure of his new set of wheels. It must have felt strange and unnatural to be propped up by the device.
Over time, however, Mel realized the wheelchair could get him around in ways he never imagined!
"Rocks, mud, you name it, he has rolled over or through it," Dilworth told the Dodo.
Dilworth is a professional photographer and he takes Mel everywhere he goes.
The lucky pup has wheeled through the sandy beaches of Florida and traversed the rocky mountains of Colorado.
Now that Mel is used to his wheelchair, he's become the leader of the pack on hikes with his family.
"Once he is in his wheels, watch out or he will roll over your feet," explained Dilworth.
Mel may look a little different from other dogs, but that doesn't seem to bother him!
"If he knows he's different, he does not let it show," said Dilworth.
Mel is lucky to have an owner who was able to look beyond his disability and give him the life he deserved.
If you'd like to follow Mel on his adventures, check out his Instagram.
Let us know what you think of this incredible dog and his loving owner in the comments, and don't forget to SHARE with the dog lovers in your life!
