Actor and Hollywood scandal magnet Charlie Sheen paid $10,000 on February 14 towards the purchase of a therapy dog for the Florida teen, who was injured in July 2010 on a Wisconsin theme park ride.
“I’m in such disbelief,” commented Julie Marti, the teen’s mother, on Valentine’s Day. “What a guy.”
What happened to the Florida teen in the theme park accident?
Teagan Marti, now 15, sustained critical injuries in a crash on the Terminal Velocity free-fall attraction at the now-defunct Extreme World amusement park in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. Apparently, the safety net and air bags malfunctioned, and the then-preteen fell more than 10 stories, or approximately 100 feet, to crumple on the ground.
The Extreme World facility, sold in foreclosure proceedings, now belongs to the owners of neighboring Alligator Alley. The Terminal Velocity attraction has not reopened.
Marti was hospitalized for three months at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, with brain, internal abdominal, pelvis, and spinal injuries. At the time, the teen was unable to move her arms or legs.
More than 30 months later, working at physical therapy five days a week, Marti is now able to move about with the aid of a walker. The family faces financial hardships, including a possible foreclosure of their home, with medical bills adding up fast.
How did Charlie Sheen enter the picture with his therapy dog gift?
A family friend, who was acquainted with Sheen’s own godfather, contacted the “Anger Management” actor, asking for his financial assistance in procuring and training a skilled therapy dog to help Marti with her physical rehabilitation. An English Golden Retriever puppy, bred near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is now in training for ultimate placement with the South Florida teen.
As a therapy dog, the pup is learning to pick up dropped items, to switch on lights, and to perform several other useful support tasks Marti may need.The pup will likely be delivered to Marti by the end of the summer, perhaps even for her birthday in September.
“I think he’s a very kind person for helping me and my family and very generous,” Marti told reporters February 14.
“I like to pay it forward,” Sheen remarked. “People come into your orbit for a reason.”
Golden Retrievers are commonly known as gentle, friendly, affectionate, and highly trainable dogs, making them ideal for use as therapy animals.
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