That's Max to the right, an 11-year-old Welsh Corgi with degenerative myelopathy, a disease that was progressively paralyzing both back legs.

A few Saturday's ago, his owner brought him into Eddie's Wheels for Pets in Shelburne Falls, Mass., for a new set of wheels.

A growing number of pet owners, eschewing euthanasia, are turning to custom-built wheelchairs to restore mobility to furry friends whose legs, hips or backs don't work, the Associated Press reports.

The two-wheel carts support the dog's midsection with a padded saddle, and are secured with a shoulder yoke and chest strap. Most dogs have rear-wheel carts to compensate for lame hind legs, but a growing number of front-wheel carts are being ordered for animals with front-leg problems, the AP article said. (You can read it in its entirety here.)

The company was founded by Eddie and Leslie Grinnell, who built their first pet wheelchair in 1989 when their 10-year-old Doberman, Buddha, lost the use of her rear legs because of disc disease and spinal problems.

Their veterinarian, impressed by Buddha's revived mobility and vitality, started referring others to the Grinnells. In 1998, they started their own business. Similar wheelchair makers can be found in Montana, Maryland, Oregon and Washington, according to the AP story.

Most dog carts start around $250 and can exceed $500 based on the size of the dog, while the cost of wheelchairs for other animals can vary depending on the type and size of animal.

Since launching the business, Eddie's Wheels has shipped carts worldwide — the largest to a 220-pound Saint Bernard in Great Britain — and has made wheelchairs for several cats, a ferret, alpacas, goats, sheep, a rabbit and a possum. They even keep a supply of tiny wheels on hand for a gerbil or hamster.

(AP Photo by Elise Amendola)