Paralyzed Goat 'Wheelie Nelson' Needs New Wheelchair

The 3-month-old goat in Shawnee, Kansas has outgrown his first set of wheels.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 3:27am

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Wheelie Nelson, a partially paralyzed goat in Shawnee, Kansas, has been using a wheelchair to get around since birth. As the 3-month-old goat continues to grow, his family has started a fundraiser to purchase a new, larger wheelchair to keep him mobile and prevent injuries from dragging on the ground.

Why it matters

Wheelie's story highlights the lengths pet owners will go to provide a good quality of life for their animals, even those with special needs. The fundraiser also showcases the local community's support for Wheelie and their desire to help him live his best life.

The details

Wheelie Nelson was born partially paralyzed, but that hasn't stopped him from getting around. His family found a dog wheelchair that allowed him to zip around his backyard, but as the 3-month-old goat continues to grow, he's quickly outgrowing that first set of wheels. Without a new, larger wheelchair, Wheelie could develop sores and infections from dragging on the ground.

  • Wheelie Nelson has been using a wheelchair since birth.
  • Wheelie is currently 3 months old.

The players

Wheelie Nelson

A partially paralyzed 3-month-old goat in Shawnee, Kansas who uses a wheelchair to get around.

Jordyn Doherty

Wheelie Nelson's owner who started a fundraiser to purchase a new, larger wheelchair for the growing goat.

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What they’re saying

“Once we got him in was the hardest part. After that, he just took off. We almost named him 'Hot Wheels' because the second we got him in his wheels, he was gone.”

— Jordyn Doherty, Wheelie Nelson's owner

“Him dragging on the ground can create a bunch of sores and infections and things.”

— Jordyn Doherty, Wheelie Nelson's owner

“Wheelie doesn't know he's 'different'. He just knows he's loved.”

— Wheelie Nelson's family

What’s next

Wheelie's family has started a fundraiser to purchase a new, larger wheelchair for the growing goat to prevent injuries from dragging on the ground.

The takeaway

Wheelie's story is a heartwarming example of the lengths pet owners will go to provide a good quality of life for their animals, even those with special needs. The local community's support for Wheelie through the fundraiser shows the power of compassion and the desire to help those in need, both human and animal.