From the University of Florida:

Although he can no longer move his two back legs, a charismatic dachshund named Lance hasn’t missed a beat. Far from being an armchair participant in life, Lance, who received treatment at University of Florida's Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville earlier this year, is a wheelchair participant — actively bringing cheer to the sick and disabled, young and old.

After an unsuccessful operation in South Florida, Lance’s owner, Claudia Machado of Miami, came to UF to see whether Lance’s problems could be corrected through additional surgery. “Unfortunately, the spinal cord at the affected segment was only a cavity with no substance, so surgery was not going to help,” said veterinarian Roger Clemmons, a neurologist specializing in small animals who saw Lance in the UF clinic.

However, Machado and her family were told how to adapt to life with Lance as a paraplegic. “We had to come to terms with the news that Lance would never be able to use his back legs again,” said Machado.

Clemmons and Amy Reynolds, a veterinary neurology technician, suggested the wheels and gave Machado tips on how to properly care for a paralyzed dog. They also recommended a diet including natural-vitamin supplements to help boost Lance’s immune system and prevent additional damage.

Machado purchased a special custom-made “doggie wheelchair,” or cart made for dogs with hind-leg paralysis, to which Lance quickly adapted. The cart supports his hind legs and is attached with a small harness, allowing him to walk and run using his front legs. While Lance’s paralysis is still tough on Machado and her family emotionally, they have gotten into a fun routine with him and take comfort in the happiness he brings other people.

“Lance is the happiest dog on the wheelchair,” Machado said. “He’s full of energy and loves to fetch his ball at the park, run after his Frisbee and swim. Everywhere we take him, people stop and stare at him because he truly is one special little guy.”

Lance is now a certified therapy dog and Machado takes him twice a month to visit pediatric patients at Miami Children’s Hospital and elderly individuals in wheelchairs at West Gables Hospital.

“He gives them so much hope and joy,” Machado said.“I don’t think there’s anything more fulfilling than walking down the hospital corridor with this little guy. He is a superhero.”

Lance even has that “Hollywood effect” on people who see him. “It’s like going out with Britney Spears,” Machado said. “Everyone runs over to see him, pet him or play with him.” In fact, “Super Lance,” starring as himself, will be the main character in a book Machado is producing for distribution to hospital patients.