An 11-year-old disabled tortoise has been given a makeshift wheelchair, allowing it to walk again for the first time in his life.
George Bailey is a Sulcata tortoise who was born with a metabolic bone disease which meant his back legs never fully developed. As a result, the 70-pound tortoise spent much of his life having to drag himself from A to B.
This is how George Bailey moved around before and after his wheelchair:Walkin' Pets, a pet mobility company in New Hampshire, gifted George Bailey the wheelchair. And before getting his handy new device, the creature had been rescued by Jaime Loebener from an exotic animal facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, per People.
Sulcata tortoises are known for their longevity, with many of the species living up to 100 years. So, George Bailey will likely continue to increase in size as many sulcata tortoises can increase to a weight of 200 lbs.
This prompted Loebener to look into some options for the animal in order to increase his mobility.
She knew that Walkin' Pets had managed to create a wheelchair for a smaller tortoise, so Loebener tried her chances with the company. Now, thanks to her and the company, Goerge Bailey's day-to-day life has become much more manageable
Loebener told Walkin' Pets, per a Facebook post by the company:
"He uses his front legs to pull his way around slowly and clumsily. The bigger he's gotten, the more difficult this has been for him. He currently weighs close to 70 lbs but may grow to weigh over 200 lbs. He will live to be over 100 years old.
"We got the Walkin' Wheels, and the wheelchair is AMAZING!!! I put George on it, and he is able to move himself around! Sending big hugs and tortoise kisses to you guys!!!"
A number of people have since taken to the post to share their thoughts on the touching tale, with one commenter writing: "That's just wonderful. All creatures deserve to be able to enjoy the freedom of movement. Love this."
Another added: "This goes to show that every animal needs the chance to have a 'normal' life. Your team make this handsome boy's dream come true! Good job."
A third said: "Omg this brought tears to my eyes!!!"