ST. CLOUD, Fla. — A disabled senior pit bull named Baby was left struggling to move after someone allegedly walked onto the porch of her Florida rescue and stole the specialized pink wheelchair she depends on to get around.
The Pittie Party of Central Florida said in a Facebook post on Saturday, Aug. 22, that the wheelchair was taken from the organization’s porch, leaving Baby without the equipment she needs to walk.
The rescue expressed disbelief over the theft, emphasizing that Baby is a senior dog and hospice resident who cannot walk without her specialized chair.
“WHY??? What kind of person steals a disabled, senior dog’s wheelchair?” the rescue wrote.
The organization said the person simply walked up to the wheelchair and took it.
“Somebody walked up to the wheelchair that was on our porch and stole it. Now she has nothing,” the rescue said.
Baby Depends on Her Specialized Pink Wheelchair
The stolen wheelchair was not a standard piece of equipment that could easily be replaced. According to the rescue, Baby needs a specific type of wheelchair because of her condition, and replacing it would cost approximately $800, including shipping.
“She needs this specific kind for her condition,” the organization wrote. “We are heartbroken that someone would do this. So upsetting.”
The wheelchair also served another important purpose.
Without it, Baby has difficulty going to the bathroom on her own, according to the rescue. Staff members were struggling to safely support her without the device.
“She has no way to go potty on her own and trying to hold her is very difficult without this chair,” the rescue said.
The theft therefore left the rescue facing not only the emotional impact of what happened but also an immediate practical problem involving Baby’s daily care.
Police Ask Public to Help Find Baby’s Wheelchair
The St. Cloud Police Department joined the effort to locate the missing wheelchair and reunite it with Baby. Police asked anyone who might have information about the equipment or the person who took it to come forward.
“Please help us reunite Baby at the The Pittie Party of Central Florida with her specialized wheelchair,” the department said in a Facebook statement.
Anyone with information was asked to contact police at 407-891-6700. Meanwhile, the rescue launched a fundraiser to help purchase another wheelchair and cover Baby’s medical expenses, including medications and other supplies.
“Please consider helping Baby get a new chair. Her livelihood depends on it,” the organization wrote.
Community Response Brings Hope
The situation took a positive turn several days later. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, The Pittie Party of Central Florida announced that a new pink wheelchair was already on its way to Baby.
The rescue said Ruck9 had ordered and shipped the replacement wheelchair, while members of the community had also offered to help pay for a new chair.
“We were notified that a wonderful organization called Ruck9 has already ordered and shipped a new pink wheelchair for Baby,” the rescue wrote.
The news gave the rescue and Baby’s supporters something to celebrate after the distress caused by the theft. The organization said it would refund donations specifically intended to purchase Baby’s replacement wheelchair if donors requested them.
Donations Will Help Baby and Other Hospice Dogs
With a replacement chair now on the way, the rescue said remaining donations can instead be used toward Baby’s ongoing care and the needs of other hospice dogs.
“If anyone would like a refund of their donation for Baby’s chair, please send us a message and we will be happy to do so,” the rescue said. “Any funding that remains will be applied to her ongoing care.”
The organization explained that caring for hospice dogs has become increasingly difficult as the cost of supplies, medications and other necessities continues to rise.
The Pittie Party of Central Florida cares for dogs with advanced health or behavioral needs, making its rescue work a significant long-term commitment.
“It’s a huge, lengthy commitment, but worth it,” the organization said.
As Baby waited for her replacement wheelchair, the rescue shared a video showing her playing on a bed and thanked supporters for rallying around her.
“Baby is so grateful for the amazing outpouring from the community,” the rescue wrote.
The organization said it planned to provide another update once Baby received her new wheelchair, with some “cute content” planned to celebrate her return to mobility.
What do you think about the community stepping up to help Baby after her wheelchair was stolen? Share your thoughts in the comments.
