OTTAWA, Kan. (KCTV) – A family in Kansas will be keeping a closer eye on their dog after the animal's wheelchair was stolen.
The Baker family said it has been about a year since their dog Sammy lost the use of her legs through a degenerative disorder.
"It started as just one foot dragging and now she has no use of back legs," Lou Baker said.
As a result, the Bakers purchased a wheelchair for the dog in October, which has been a key part of her mobility.
However, the family said Sammy was on the receiving end of a cruel prank over the weekend. About an hour after her husband let Sammy out for some fresh air, the family made a disturbing discovery.
"She was just there by herself with none of the hardware on her so we knew someone had taken it off of her," Baker said. "I think it was someone thinking it was a funny prank and it wasn't funny at all. She was left laying on the cold ground and she can't get around."
After the family reported the theft to police, Baker drove around her property on her way home from work and discovered the wheelchair near a trail by her house.
The family is still disheartened about what happened, but is happy to have the wheelchair back.
"Taking a dog's wheelchair that can barely get around is a pretty sick joke. She really needs that," Keaton Baker said.
