As the world watched disturbing images of the horrible attacks on September 11, hearts went out to the victims. We all ached to help the terrified, the injured, the bereaved and the homeless. Some traveled thousands of miles to assist with the rescue and recovery. Some sent supplies and money, or tokens of sympathy, while others prayed, but we, each in our own way, wanted to somehow "make it better". Deborah Turner had the same reaction years ago, when she heard of Willy's plight.

Day after day, week after week, the little two pound Chihuahua had waited in his crate, unable to walk or even to bark. Staff members of the veterinarian hospital in Los Angeles, where he had lived since he'd been found, discarded in a cardboard box with hindquarters paralyzed and vocal cords severed, were kind, but he longed to run and play as all the other dogs did. For a year, he watched them silently from his prison and wished that he were free.

That was eight years ago. Deborah and Willy fell in love at first sight and Willy was elated to have someone to love! He played with Deborah's various other pets, batted happily at toys and tried, valiantly, to walk. He was a joyful little dog trapped in a body that would not cooperate. Willy needed a way to get around.

After several experiments that did not work, Willy got his K-9 wheelcart. The first moment that Deborah placed his hindquarters into it, he took off like a kid with a new toy, smiling, as doggies do, from ear to ear. Willy was free! Finally free! Life was great. It didn't matter that he needed the wheels. He could now walk and run and play! Yes, life was pure joy.

And when you discover a secret as wonderful as that, you just can't keep it to yourself. Willy and Deborah began visiting churches, schools, hospitals and convalescent homes to spread hope and cheer, and the message that, even though we have challenges, they can be dealt with or conquered.

Willy once led a group of children with spinal cord injuries in the Los Angeles Marathon and participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Fun Walk. The children were excited to see the happy little dog in a wheelchair just as they were. In one Head Start program, Willy's charm inspired an autistic girl to speak, after a long period of silence.

Willy also teaches children about diversity, with a coloring book that portrays him playing with the other Turner pets. The caption reads, "You don't have to look alike to play together."

Deborah says that the little two pound dog is her anchor as well. When she feels hurried or stressed, his calm and adaptable attitude keeps her focused. Perhaps that's why they have become inseparable. Willy sleeps on her desk in a little round, purple bed, as she works, and accompanies her to the post office, mall, hair salon, bank, even restaurants and a stage production on Broadway in New York. He is almost always accepted without question in public places. There is just something about that precious little face peeking from a tiny denim vest in front of the famous wheels which bear a red heart reading "Wheely Willy" that melts your heart.

Willy is loved nationwide as he has appeared on numerous TV shows and been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles. His story is also published in "Chicken Soup for the Dog and Cat Lover's Soul" and "Working Dogs, Tales from Animal Planet's K9-5". Willy's own book, "How Willy Got His Wheels", won the 1998 Maxwell Award for Children's Literature and was nominated for a Caldecot Award for its illustrations. It may be purchased, including an authentic Willy "Pawtograph", at http://www.wheelywilly.com/cart.htm . Deborah says Willy has no idea what a celebrity he is. He just takes it all in stride.

For a little dog who started out homeless, broken and unwanted, he has inspired tremendous hope in the hearts of many discouraged people. Perhaps it was Willy who "made it better" at a time when he was most needed in the life of a 17 year old boy, quadraplegic from a surfing accident. In the depths of depression, the only thing that could make this young man smile was Willy. Battling pneumonia and unable to speak, the boy was able to give Willy a kiss when Deborah held the little dog up close. He was eventually transferred to another hospital but friends tell Deborah that he has since regained his speech and talks of Willy! Just as Willy soared free from the prison of a disabled body, so, surely, will this young man.

Perhaps we, as a nation, picking up the pieces and feeling uncertain in the events of September 11, could use a simple reminder from a two pound Chihuahua named Wheely Willy. Courage and joy can certainly make it better.