Known as the “saint of the valley” in Thailand’s Tak province, Weerachat “Chat” Sirisoponsak champions the cause of freedom and mobility for handicapped animals, particularly dogs. Devoting his time and skills, he crafts custom wheelchairs for disabled dogs, offering them free of charge.
Despite the tendency for disabled animals to be overlooked, disabled canines in Sam Ngao District can now roam and explore, thanks to Weerachat’s special pet wheelchairs. Weerachat, also affectionately known as Jaa Chat, served as a soldier for eight years. Beyond his military service, he extends his generosity to rural communities, providing essential items like medicines, bed sets, clothes, and more.
In his spare time, Jaa Chat focuses on crafting tailor-made wheelchairs for handicapped dogs. He acknowledges that this endeavor has been made possible by utilizing cost-effective and readily available materials. Each wheelchair, meticulously constructed from PVC pipes and rubber tubes, is uniquely measured to suit each dog’s specific needs.
When asked about his motivation for building these free wheelchairs, Jaa Chat emphasizes the importance of alleviating the burdens faced by handicapped animals who have already endured a great deal of suffering in their lives. He points out, “They used to run and enjoy their life, but with a disability, they can feel stressed as they’re not able to enjoy or even eat anymore.”
Jaa Chat recognizes that while his wheelchairs may not restore the ability to run, they do enable these dogs to move without pain, improving their overall well-being, both physically and emotionally.
The handicaps these dogs endure are often related to health issues such as hip dysplasia or amputations, frequently leading to abandonment by their previous owners. Jaa Chat‘s custom-made wheelchairs offer these dogs a newfound sense of independence, allowing them to move about and play without relying on the kindness of strangers.
Remarkably, Jaa Chat‘s efforts have positively impacted over 100 abandoned handicapped dogs, giving them a chance for a better life. His compassion isn’t limited to just stray, handicapped dogs; Jaa Chat readily extends his support to locals whose pets fall ill or face handicaps.
For those who wish to contribute and support his noble work, there is a Facebook page where donations can be made. This page is also where Jaa Chat regularly provides updates on his latest volunteering projects and shares heartwarming photos of his incredible pet wheelchairs.
