VELMA, Okla. – When a group of fourth-graders heard that Johanna the wiener dog had been partially paralyzed in a beating, they knew immediately they wanted to help.
So they spent more than $400 to get the dog a new set of wheels.
The 5-year-old dachshund was left semi-paralyzed and incontinent after a group of teens in Tennessee hit her with a baseball bat because she wouldn't stop barking. Rescuers found her a new home in Fryeburg, Maine.
Children at Velma-Alma Elementary had been raising money to benefit disabled pets when they heard Johanna's story on a radio program. They voted unanimously to donate the $423 they had raised to pay for the dog's airfare to Maine and her new wheelchair cart, which was delivered Monday.
Johanna is regaining her health and appears happy, said Deborah Winters of Handicappedpets.com, which provides services and products for such animals.
"She runs all over the house on her front legs, so when she gets the cart, she'll just be amazing," she said.
The children's teacher, Kathy Barton, said Johanna's new owner, Lauren Smith, sent an e-mail profusely thanking the children.
"The main thing was for them to know they could make a difference," Ms. Barton said.
