Man designs special chariot for his elderly Goldie so they can still go on adventures
Donny Marchuk of Calgary, Canada loves the outdoors so much that he’s been going on adventures for over 14 years with his best bud. A Golden Retriever named Sully.
Donny and Sully would go on outdoor hikes, snowshoe treks, and climbs, soaking in all the adventures available. It was Sully’s age with all the pains and illnesses that had Donny adjusting to make sure his dog could still join him.
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With the adorable golden in his golden years, Donny found that Sully suffered from laryngeal paralysis. It’s a condition that affects breathing.
But Sully, regardless of the condition, was always ready for an adventure.
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“As soon as I leave the house, he wants to come. He just kind of lights up when he gets to go,” Donny said. “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.”
Donny tried figuring out ways so Sully could still go on outdoor escapades. He borrowed an old three-wheeled stroller which he turned into a chariot.
A friend provided the wagon and it turned out great!
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The chariot allowed the retriever to join Donny on many walks and mountain adventures during the winter.
“A few years ago I would have been dead set against pulling my elderly dog in a stroller. But here’s where I’m now at: I want more time with Sully. And I’ll do anything. Anything. To have that. I’ve done a complete 180 and I’m sure glad I have!” Donny wrote.
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The chariot could be modified depending on the terrain. Skis or snowshoeing attachments could be done so Sully knew that an adventure was waiting once Donny brought it out.
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“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,” Donny said.
Sully loved the attention from people, with Donny saying it was the dog’s favorite.
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“Rarely does a person go by without stopping and wanting to talk and smiling,” the proud dog owner said. “And it kind of warms our hearts knowing that we put a smile on their face as well.”
Donny shared that it was Sully who got him through the toughest moment in his life. The adventures were distractions, until it became a passion.
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Donny says he’d everything he can for the senior Golden Retriever. Sully needed the extra care and attention.
“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,” said Donny.
The duo kept going on adventures while Sully’s strength and health still allowed it.
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“Having a dog in my life is everything,” he said. “Every minute I can give him a chance to spend more time and do the things he loves to do, I’ll do it.”
Sadly, Sully passed away in July of 2022. Donny shared pictures on his Instagram paying tribute to his best bud of 15 years.
What a beautiful friendship between a man and his best friend.
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Source: My Positive Outlooks, Donny Marchuk