Willy was welcomed after flying over from LA and being kept at the airport for a two-week quarantine inspection.

The book "How Willy Got His Wheels" tells how he was abandoned with crippled rear legs, rescued and given a dog wheelchair to help him get around.

Willy was taken to a local school to show children that they can overcome problems and fears.

"We came over to show the children that the character in the book is a real dog - I thought they might like to meet him and be able to relate to him better," Willy's owner said.

"Willy has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many other people. I'm so thrilled to be able to share him with everyone," she added.

More than a hundred students turned up to meet Willy.