When a luxury car manufacturer makes a custom wheelchair for a shelter dog, the footage has everything to go viral. On TikTok, we see a paralyzed dog enter a dealership to the applause of employees, then leave a few moments later trotting with a brand new cart. Behind these strong images, there is a serious handicap, a simple technology and a major brand that chooses to commit to an often ignored animal.
This female dog is called Bunny and it was Mercedes-Benz who gave him this very special gift. Bunny lost the use of her hind legs after a road accident in Mexico and was taken in by The Animal Pad association. This disabled dog remained waiting for adoption for a long time. His wheelchair has changed his daily life and reminds us that different dogs can also regain true autonomy.
How Mercedes-Benz Made Bunny’s Wheelchair
The story begins when a user comments that Bunny deserves the Mercedes-Benz of wheelchairs. Her rescuer then contacted the brand, which teamed up with manufacturer Eddie’s Wheels to design a custom cart based on very precise measurements of the dog. For Mercedes-Benz, it’s a beautiful image, but for Bunny, it’s above all a tool of freedom.
The armchair imagined for Bunny is a dog wheelchair : a harness fitted to the body, connected to a structure on wheels which replaces the function of paralyzed legs. For her, the cart supports the back of the body and leaves the front legs free. Mercedes-Benz adds recognizable details, with rims inspired by its cars and a small Bunny’s Benz plaque.
How the wheelchair changes for Bunny and disabled dogs
Bunny enters the hall to the applause of the employees before his new cart is attached to him. The video, broadcast on TikTok via the Complex account, shows her hesitating for a few seconds then trotting through the aisles, tail held high. In a few meters, we see the transition from immobility to real freedom of movement.
Such a device is not only used for walking a disabled dog. By making walking and playing possible, a wheelchair improves the animal’s morale and health, stimulates circulation and limits muscle atrophy. The adaptation time varies: some dogs need several days, Bunny seems to have adopted it straight away. Specialists recommend seeking the advice of a veterinarian before equipping your companion.
Disabled dogs: the hope opened by Bunny’s story
In France as elsewhere, shelters that welcome dogs with specific needs hope that this type of story changes the way we look at animal disability and gives other Bunny a chance to be adopted.