Paralyzed Dog, Lucy, Reaches Summit Of Mount Washington

A wheelchair did not stop Lucy, a 4-year old mixed breed whose back legs were paralyzed in a car accident when she was still a pup from reaching the highest peak in the northeastern United States, Mount Washington, on the morning of August 18, 2010.

Lucy's owner, Courtney Dunning, a 28-year-old nurse from Peterborough, N.H., her boyfriend, and her other dog, a chihuahua-dachshund mix named Topper, accompanied Lucy on the 4,500-foot ascent. A representative from Nashua, New Hampshire's http://www.handicappedpets.com/ and a filmmaker also climbed with them. Lucy made the climb with the help of a wheelchair that was donated to her from http://www.handicappedpets.com/ two years ago.

The rocky terrain or steep slope didn’t deter Lucy on the six-hour climb. Lucy's owner, a marathon runner, said she had prepared her dog for the climb all summer by training her on nearby mountains a little at a time until she thought her pup was ready for the challenge.

Courtney adopted Lucy more than two years ago after seeing her photo on an animal rescue website. Lucy, who was living in shelter in Puerto Rico using a hand-me-down wheelchair until a donated wheelchair arrived from Handicapped Pets shortly after.

Wednesday’s six-hour journey to the summit of Mt. Washington was no easy feat for Lucy, including several breaks for food and water (as well as one diaper change).

When they reached the 4000 feet marker, Lucy was tired but was determined to reach her destination and was ready to pose for the camera

at the 5000 foot marker until she finally  

reached the summit! Of course, Courtney was proud of Lucy, and thanked the Mt. Washington Auto Road and its employees for their support.

And since Lucy is a favorite of the Mt. Washington Auto Road employees, she enjoyed an extremely comfortable ride back to the base of the mountain with her owner and her supporters.

Ever since Lucy made the courageous climb to the summit she has been receiving a lot of fan mail and if you would like to send her a message you can join her on Facebook! Become her fan here and congratulate her for a job well done!