A retired deputy of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, John Cox, continues to be a hero by helping disabled animals. His non-profit organization, Rescuing Uniquely Created K-9’s (Ruck9), raises funds to purchase wheelchairs for dogs, cats, and other special needs animals.

The mission is to put as many animals as possible into a "wheelie" and help them "experience the life they were intended to live". He does this through fundraisers and uses the donations to purchase wheelchairs from Walkin' Pets. Last year he was able to help 64 dogs, 3 cats, and a goat.

It all started with Cox participating in marathons wearing a rucksack to raise awareness and funds.

In a video posted by Walkin' Pets, Cox stated that the money raised at events will "help put more and more and more wheelies on our Wheelie Warriors."

The relationship between Ruck9 and Walkin' Pets is described as "A True Family Relationship".

Ruck9 features some of the Wheelie Warriors on its Facebook page and hopes to raise awareness that help is out there.

Cox was contacted about helping two rescue dogs with undeveloped front legs get custom wheels. Satchels Last Resort Animal Shelter reached out to him after they were contacted by a friend of the owner looking for help.

The shelter shared, "John wasted no time in meeting with the pups to get measurements so that both dogs would be receiving wheelies! By the end of the first week of April, both girls (Liana and Niara) were fitted and enjoying their new life with mobility!"

That is what it is all about for Cox.

Another heartwarming story is about a retired Air Force K-9 named "X". The dog served alongside his Air Force dad, Sebastian, sniffing out explosives and finding missing people.

Shortly after he and his dad retired from the military, X was left immobile due to spinal dysplasia. Cox heard their story and immediately stepped up to help. The 11-year-old dog was being carted around in a wagon by his dad when Cox met him. He shared his experience on Facebook.

He wrote, "I had absolutely NO idea the need for these wheelie’s would be so powerful."

Sebastian told Cox, "X spent HIS life pulling me through tough situations, now it’s my mission to return the favor". Ruck9 purchased a wheelie for X and was honored to help the heroes.

One Wheelie Warrior is still looking for a forever home. Mattie May is a 2-year-old mutt who has joined Cox on several marathons. She can run and play just like any other dog, thanks to her wheelie. She is currently in a loving foster home. She needs an active home and gets along well with other dogs. Anyone interested in adopting her can find out more at Suncoast Humane Society.

Her foster dad, Don Jackson, said the wheelchair has changed her life. She can be a normal dog with it and said, "She has no idea what legs are. Somebody forgot to tell her she had them."

Learn more about how you can help by visiting Ruck9's website and follow them on Facebook to meet more Wheelie Warriors.

Watch the video below to see how Ruck9 is changing the lives of special needs pets.