On the move again Bud Trana of Staples helps harness Lacy, his11- year-old German Shepherd, to her new wheelchair made specifically for dogs. Lacy has hip dysplasia and lost all use of her hind legs about a year ago. (Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs)

Thanks to a wheelchair created specifically for dogs, a 10-year-old German Shepherd named Lacy has been given a new lease on life.

"She's finally able to go on walks again," said Bud Trana of Staples, explaining that Lacy was diagnosed with hip dysplasia about a year ago.

Although she's still very healthy, this disease (a dislocation of the hip joints resulting in cartilage damage) has left Lacy unable to use her hind legs.

"It's been really hard to see her in this condition," Bud said, explaining that without the wheelchair, Lacy can only get around by dragging herself with her front legs. "She's not in any pain, though," he added.

The regal-looking dog has been a part of the Trana household since she was a pup.

"Sandy (Bud's wife) and I got her when she was just seven weeks old," Bud said. "All of the kids were out of the house by then, so she's been our baby."

Loving eyes Lacy, a German Shepherd belonging to Bud and Sandy Trana of Staples, seems to understand that her 'parents' care about her and are doing what they can to make her comfortable since she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia last year.

Bud's partial to German Shepherd's, he said, adding that the family has owned others of this breed throughout the years. In the 1970's, when Bud was a cop with the Staples Police Department, he would often drive the squad car accompanied by his German Shepherd, Sam. "You can't find a better dog," Bud said.

Lacy was the female runt born to Sadie, a German Shepherd owned by the Trana's daughter, Kandi.

"Yep, Kandi called and said we should come down and take a look at this pup," Bud said. "We fell in love with her right away."

Lacy's the sort of dog, Bud said, that goes everywhere with the family. She's had full run of the house; loves accompanying Bud on trips around town in his truck; and is an enthusiastic camper.

It was on one of the family camping trips about a year ago that Bud first noticed Lacy was limping.

"I thought at first she might have torn a ligament or something," Bud recalled.

However, when she was still limping a week later, the Tranas brought her in to the veterinarian to find out what was wrong.

X-rays revealed that Lacy, who turns 12 on Jan. 14, had hip dysplasia.

The Tranas did what they could to make their pal comfortable (she now sleeps on a big therapeutic bed); and researched options for treating Lacy's disease.

"We've probably spent somewhere around three or four thousand dollars on Lacy over the years," Bud said, paging through his dog's medical file. "She's worth it...I wouldn't take a million dollars for her."

However, in spite of their love for Lacy, the Tranas weren't in a position to pay for hip dysplasia surgery, something that could cost at least $5,000, Bud learned. "That's a lot of money; and with Lacy getting older, it's not a practical option," he added.

Not knowing what to do for his ailing dog, Bud was thrilled to stumble upon a website for 'Doggon' Wheels,' a company that specializes in meeting needs of disabled pets.

Based in Bozeman, Montana, Doggon' Wheels manufactures wheelchairs and other equipment for animals. Bud was amazed to learn that they even carry a line of wheelchairs for rabbits.

"They helped us find a refurbished wheelchair for about $300," Bud said. "We also bought booties to help protect her feet," he added.

Lacy was a little confused by the wheelchair at first, Bud said. "She kept wanting to walk backwards."

After a few tries, however, she got the hang of it; and can now keep up with Bud when he's working in the yard, or taking an evening walk.

"Everyone around here loves Lacy," Bud said. "The neighborhood kids always stop by to pet her or run along side the fence."

It was frustrating for Lacy, Bud said, when she couldn't chase after them like she used to. The wheelchair has allowed her to connect with the children again.

Bud said his granddaughter, Alicia, has also been happy to learn about Lacy's wheelchair. "It's been really hard for her to see Lacy like this," Bud said. "Alicia's 14; she and Lacy have grown up together."

It's no wonder the family feels so protective of their furry friend. "She's very protective of us," Bud said, recalling the time he and Lacy were in the truck and a friend wandered over to say 'hi.'

"She barked real loud, wouldn't let him near," Bud laughed. "Other than that, she's a pussycat," he added, scratching Lacy's head.

To learn more about Doggon' Wheels' animal wheelchairs and other services for disabled pets, visit www.doggon.com; or call 1-888-736-4466.

"I'm glad we found out about them," Bud said. "It's made a world of difference for Lacy and maybe it can help someone else's pet, too."