This is Andy. He works at the Lowe’s in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. And the dog in the wheelchair? That’s Baxter — our sweet, spirited rescue pup who happens to have limited mobility.
A few weeks ago, my best friend and I found ourselves in the hardware aisle at Lowe’s with Baxter’s cart in hand. His wheelchair was helpful, but it had one frustrating flaw — it kept tipping over. We needed a creative fix, something sturdy and simple, that could give him just a bit more balance.
So, we headed to the project desk and asked if anyone might be able to help us brainstorm a solution.
That’s when we met Andy.
Without hesitation, Andy walked over and sat right down on the floor with us in the aisle. No fuss, no judgment — just curiosity and kindness. For nearly an hour, he examined the cart, sorted through possible parts, and helped us test out ideas until we found one that felt just right.
In the end, we walked out with everything we needed — and it only cost $5.
A few days later, after Baxter’s vet checkup and a few final tweaks to his wheels, we knew we had to go back. Not to shop. But to show Andy.
He was at the project desk again when we arrived, and as soon as he saw Baxter rolling in with his new setup, he came right back out… and sat on the floor again.
He smiled, greeted Baxter like an old friend, and gave the cart a careful once-over. “Looks perfect,” he said. We beamed.
I asked to speak to the store manager because I wanted them to know just how much Andy had helped — not just with bolts and wheels, but with heart and patience. The manager encouraged us to share the story online so it could make its way to corporate.
Andy’s kindness deserved to be known.
When we thanked him again, he looked genuinely touched. He even said he and his wife would love to dog-sit Baxter sometime. Then, he gave us both big, heartfelt hugs before we left.
As my friend Lolly said later, “Andy’s reaction made my heart smile.” And truly, mine too.
We live in a world that can feel rushed and impersonal — especially in big stores or public spaces. But Andy reminded us that compassion doesn’t need a spotlight. Sometimes it shows up on the floor of a hardware aisle, sitting cross-legged beside a rescue dog, just trying to make something better.
So if you’re ever near Wilkesboro, NC, stop by Lowe’s. Shake Andy’s hand. Tell him Baxter says hi. And know that you’ve just met someone who makes the world a little kinder, one small wheel at a time.
