For many people in the world, their pets are more than animals, they are companions and precious friends. Unfortunately, though these lovely creatures live shorter lives than their human family members. And as you can imagine it must be really difficult for their owners to see their dear friends just withering away.

So, what happens when your four-legged best-friend is too old to join you on your adventures? Do you leave him/ her behind, or you devise a plan to manage taking him/her along with you?

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Our story today is just about this kind of friendship, between a man and his loyal dog-friend. Meet Donny Marchuk from Calgary, Canada, a man who has always been an adventurer and never parted from his golden retriever, Sully. Together, they have been on numerous outdoor hikes, climbs, and snowshoe treks.

“When he was younger and we were hiking and trail running in Yoho and Kananaskis … any hike I go on, Sully was up for it, and he misses that”, confessed Marchuk.

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However, after 14 years of constant adventures together, Sully was too old and tired to join Marchuk, as the poor dog had difficulty walking and breathing, as his stamina had significantly reduced. As Marchuk explained, “as soon as I leave the house, he wants to come. He just kind of lights up when he gets to go”.

Marchuk, seeing his dog’s thirst for adventure and exercise, decided to do something about it. If Sully was too old to walk and come along on their hikes, Marchuk would find a way to bring him along without having Sully walking.

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A plan was quickly devised and a solution found, Marchuk took from a friend an old three-wheeled stroller and transformed it into Sully’s own “adventure chariot”. Mission accomplished, and as you can see in the photos, Sully seems like a king on his stroller, all comfy and warm, while still enjoying being Marchuk’s companion.

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According to Donny Marchuk, “Rarely does a person go by without stopping and wanting to talk and smiling,” he added. “And it kind of warms our hearts knowing that we put a smile on their face as well.”

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Marchuk even planned in case of bad weather when the terrain could be covered with snow, making it too difficult for the stroller to move. In that case, he would have to add skis or snowshoeing attachments to it, facilitating its move.

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Sully is just so happy to be on his chariot as Marchuk explains, “even if it’s around the neighborhood, just for a walk, he’s been sitting up like he’s the happiest person in the world”.

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What a beautiful story that makes you believe in the strong friendships between humans and animals, and makes you realize that good friends can be found even among your pets. Let’s finish this story with Marchuk’s own words about Sully, “He’s given so much to me that it’s only fair that every second I get now I can give that back to him”.

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Source: InspireMore, CBC Canada