Dozens of Disabled Dogs Roll Out for Afternoon Adventure with Unmatched Joy

Living with a disability comes with many different challenges that others don't have to face in their day to day life, and that applies to dogs with disabilities, too. It can't be easy for a dog to struggle (or be completely unable) to do something that other dogs can do, like run and play with each other or their humans, after suffering from a genetic mutation, injury, or illness that impedes their ability to walk. Fortunately, veterinary medicine and medical devices have come a long way, and wheelchairs for dogs are more accessible than ever to the four-legged patients who need to use them.

But I imagine it still must be pretty hard for them to see other dogs who don't need wheelchairs, especially if they are never around dogs who have the same disabilities that they do. That's why it's so special that the organization who shared the Instagram Reel below is doing what they're doing — this video is nothing but pure joy.

Last week, the organization called The Man That Rescues Dogs shared this video of their "wheelchair mafia" on Instagram, and it really is a sight to behold!

I don't know many dogs are in this video — It's gotta be well over a dozen — but they all have one thing in common: They all use wheelchairs. One moment, they're lounging on the ground on a patio, and the next, they're in their wheelchairs (with the help of some kind humans) and are off on their second walk of the day. Having that set of extra wheels means they can really move!

And with the help of those wheelchairs, these dogs can really do it all. They even take a break to swim in the lake together!

"Their wheelchairs aren’t a limitation – they’re wings. And today, like every day, they soar," the caption says.

Anyone else crying, or just me?

More About the Wheelchair Mafia

This organization was started by a Swedish chef named Michael Baines after he moved to Thailand in 2002 and began his mission to rescue stray dogs that were found in the country.

According to Nevsedoma, as of July 2024, Baines has over 1,000 dogs in his foundation's care, especially those who are in need of a little extra help like the ones in his wheelchair mafia.

The shelter, which spans 8,000 square miles, has everything he needs to make sure his pups are well cared for, including an on site clinic and hydrotherapy pools. There are also 30 people on staff from those tasked with construction to veterinarians so these dogs can have the very best.

I suspect that between the love and care that these formerly stray dogs are receiving and the chance they have to spend their lives playing with dogs who are just like them is making a huge difference. They are so special!