92-Year-Old Retired Vet Dedicates His Life To Making Wheelchairs For Disabled Dogs

Dr. Lincoln “Nick” Parkes, undeterred by retirement or age, remains dedicated to aiding disabled and elderly animals in their mobility.

In the early 1960s, Dr. Parkes pioneered the creation and patenting of animal wheelchairs, a concept that rapidly gained traction, enhancing the quality of life for countless paraplegic pets who might otherwise have faced euthanasia.

Dr. Parkes entered retirement a little over 25 years ago, at the sprightly age of early 60s. With unwavering dedication, he turned his full attention to K-9 Carts Co., a venture he had initiated decades prior and had diligently nurtured alongside his veterinary practice. Now, at the remarkable age of 91, he immerses himself in his craft for up to 10 hours daily, embracing a schedule that seems to stretch beyond the conventional confines of time, affectionately quipping about his commitment as working “eight days a week,” at his bustling workshop in Oxford, Maryland. Here, he continues his legacy of crafting bespoke wheelchairs tailored not just for dogs, but also for feline friends, feathered companions, and even pint-sized rodents.

Dr. Parkes’ journey into veterinary medicine was far from conventional. A native of New England, he embarked on a different path, joining the Navy Air Corps at the tender age of 17, just before the closure of World War II. Following the war’s end, he and a close friend embarked on a nomadic odyssey across the United States, funding their adventures through a myriad of odd jobs while nurturing their mutual passion for skiing. It wasn’t until later that Dr. Parkes felt compelled to steer his life in a more purposeful direction. Seeking a foothold in reality, he enrolled at Colorado State University with aspirations of mastering ranching, all the while reveling in proximity to the majestic slopes.

It was during a class on animal husbandry that Dr. Parkes found his calling, the seed of veterinary medicine taking root within him. Reflecting on his decision, he recalled his affinity for hands-on learning and tinkering, a trait that would serve him well in the surgical realm.

Upon earning his veterinary degree in 1957, Dr. Parkes seized the opportunity to further hone his skills, participating in one of the pioneering internship programs offered by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Following this enriching experience, he returned to Colorado, where he practiced for a stint before gravitating toward the bustling metropolis of New York City. There, at the renowned Animal Medical Center, he focused his expertise on the intricate domains of neurology and orthopedic surgery, solidifying his legacy as a stalwart in the field.

” I still remember that first Dachshund. That dog tore out the clinic door like he was sprung.”

Dr. Lincoln “Nick” Parkes, founder, K-9 Carts Company

Pet owners facing the challenge of caring for partially paralyzed animals consistently turned to Dr. Parkes with a familiar inquiry: Could their beloved companions regain mobility? It was in 1961 when a breakthrough dawned upon him. Crafting a rudimentary wheelchair from metal bars and four wheels, he witnessed a remarkable transformation. “I’ll never forget that initial Dachshund. The way he bolted out of the clinic was truly liberating,” Dr. Parkes reminisced with a chuckle.

Thus, the genesis of K-9 Carts unfolded. Dr. Parkes recollects his colleagues’ enthusiastic embrace of this innovative solution. “Their response was overwhelmingly positive. They shared my conviction in preserving the lives of animals that couldn’t walk,” he remarked, highlighting his concerted efforts in advertising.

Transitioning from his role at AMC, Dr. Parkes embarked on a new chapter, imparting knowledge in orthopedics and neurosurgery at PennVet. Subsequently, he established a specialized practice in a Philadelphia suburb. Within the confines of a modest room, he meticulously crafted wheelchairs, unveiling refined iterations over time. Gone were the cumbersome metal bars, replaced by resilient, lightweight materials. Each wheelchair, tailored to the individual needs of the patient, facilitated essential bodily functions and ranged in price from $300 to $800.

Dr. Parkes concluded his illustrious career in 1991, having successfully performed over 3,000 spinal surgeries. Subsequently, the trajectory of K-9 Cart Company underwent a significant shift due to the dissolution of Dr. Parkes’ marriage to Barbara. As part of their agreement, Dr. Parkes relocated to Maryland to establish his enterprise, K-9 Carts East, focusing on wheelchair sales along the East Coast, while Barbara retained ownership of K-9 Carts. The geographical division demarcated by the Mississippi River delineated their respective operational territories. Despite facing stiff competition, including Barbara’s company, Dr. Parkes remains undeterred in his pursuits, citing at least six other formidable competitors.

In recent years, K-9 Carts East has encountered notable challenges. Sales figures have dwindled, amounting to only a fraction of previous years’ turnovers, primarily consisting of local transactions. Financial constraints forced Dr. Parkes to terminate the employment of his five-person team, necessitating a shift towards a more solitary operation. Formerly swift production timelines have elongated, with Dr. Parkes personally overseeing each wheelchair’s construction, a process now spanning multiple days to meticulously craft and assemble the components.

Nevertheless, amidst the downturn, Dr. Parkes remains resolute and optimistic. He is diligently engrossed in the development of an innovative wheelchair model, confident in its potential to captivate the market.

“For me, this endeavor transcends monetary gain,” Dr. Parkes emphasized. “It’s about fostering the mobility and happiness of our animal companions, enriching the lives of their devoted owners for years to come.”