Some animals get dealt a rough hand right from the start, and Kiki the sheep is one of them. She developed a virus when she was just 11 days old, quickly arriving at the non-profit sanctuary Don’t Forget Us, Pet Us. Instead of treating Kiki’s disability like the end of her story, the sanctuary got creative. Her caregivers adapted a stroller into a motorized wheelchair and set it up so Kiki could control it with a joystick positioned for head use. In other words, Kiki didn’t just get help with surviving, she found a way to move through the world on her own terms. Don’t Forget Us, Pet Us focuses on rescuing and providing lifelong sanctuary to farmed and domestic animals who are sick, neglected, or discarded, many of whom need ongoing medical attention, specialized diets, and daily extra care. From day one, Kiki’s care wasn’t just “rescue,” it was a round-the-clock commitment. An immobile lamb needs constant comfort checks, pressure relief, and careful handling. One of the biggest priorities is repositioning her often, otherwise she risks dangerous bloat and other health issues. The team experimented with supportive setups until they found what worked best for Kiki. That’s when the DIY engineering began, and by her first birthday, they had turned a stroller into a mobility solution. From that point on, Kiki was ready to roll. Most importantly, Kiki’s newfound mobility allows her to spend time with the other animals. Kiki has embraced her life fully, and her ability to adapt has helped other animals feel more secure.
