The homeless, disabled schnauzer, who was surrendered by his owners, has become a star after local newspapers and television stations reported on his quest for a home and mobility.

"I took him to Pet Smart in his little wheelchair and it was like some Hollywood celebrity had come in," said Michelle Weerasuriya, a volunteer with N.C. Schnauzer Rescue, who has been his foster mother since July. "Everyone came over to meet him."

The Holly Springs group, founded here five years ago, has been trying to find a home for Jasper since July.

He was born to schnauzer breeders in a harrowing three-hour delivery that involved humans pulling him out of his mother. He came out not breathing. The breeders performed CPR to jump-start his first gasps. And his hind legs didn't work.

The breeders decided to surrender him to the rescue group when they realized the extent of his disability.

Since then, the group has raised money for a special wheelchair for Jasper. And media coverage has led to a flood of applications and donations.

"He's a little, wild man," says Stephanie Bivens of North Carolina Schnauzer Rescue -- and very busy all of the sudden.

Everyone wants a piece of the 5-month-old dog. He's meeting fans, inspiring donations, choosing from six possible new homes and getting used to his wheelchair. "He takes off like a little speed demon," Weerasuriya said.

The rescue group is carefully choosing Jasper's new family. "A lot applied, but not everybody got to that next level," Weerasuriya said.

Bivens said applicants have to provide personal references, a veterinarian reference and go though a home visit, where they can assess Jasper's lifestyle needs.

"We want someone who won't hold him back, but someone who will keep him safe," Bivens said.

Nobody knows better than Weerasuriya what his care requires: regular potty breaks, hardwood floors so his wheels don't get stuck, no stairs and someone who can monitor him most of the day.

So far, two applicants are being seriously considered. One is a nurse who lives in Charlotte, which is where Weerasuriya lives.

The idea of having Jasper close by makes her very happy.

After all, she says: "If they bring him back, I'm adopting him," Weerasuriya said. "He's my little Iron Man."