#20. Born With Deformity
Little Duke was born with deformed legs, but as soon as he started walking, it looked like he didn’t know he was a little bit different than his siblings. But his bow-shaped legs didn’t ruin his fun…
He would play all day with his other siblings like there was nothing out of the ordinary in him. However, everybody else did and started to get worried something bad could happen to the little pupper.
#19. An Ordinary Pooch
Just because he had a problem with his legs, that didn’t mean that Duke was going to back down and not play with his siblings or other pets. He was only two months old when he was found by a rescue organization.
He was in apparently good condition, except for his tiny bow legs. It was clear he needed extra attention and love. Luckily for him, aid was on the way.
#18. A Difficult Life
The staff at the Little Paws of Love Rescue organization from Boca Raton, Florida, took Duke in after hearing he needed special medical attention. They immediately got to it, there was no time to waste.
All in all, the poor pooch just needed someone to love him… And you won’t believe what happened next!
#17. Someone to Look After Duke
This little fella needed a human to take good care of him. His special condition made it a little difficult, though… He was trying to fit in with the other pups, and we all know how full of energy they are!
But, as his good heart and spirit show, nothing would stop him. You’ll never guess what he did!
#16. A Blurry Photo
In one of the rescue photos on Little Paws of Love Rescue’s Facebook page, you can see Duke in his first days at the shelter.
And if you’re wondering why the image is blurry, it’s because he couldn’t keep still. This dog really needed a miracle…
#15. Won’t Let This Get In His Way
You can imagine how tough it was for everyone to keep Duke from moving all the time! They weren’t exactly sure about how badly his condition might affect him, but they did it to prevent extra harm, just in case.
Seeing he was so set on storming down all the corridors, the Little Paws realized they had to give this guy a chance of normality!
#14. Energy and Enthusiasm
So much energy and enthusiasm in this tiny dog of only two months meant a lot. Energy and enthusiasm are always signs of good health in dogs.
And, even though Duke had a rough start, he was excited to see other pups, small and big, he was eager to run and play! He felt as normal as every other dog.
#13. A Simple Coincidence
Although Duke was not lucky to get a normal life from the start, he was lucky enough to be taken from the Broward County Animal Care by Kristin Light Arias, who runs the Little Paws of Love.
But actually this was not what she had in mind…she was there for a different dog…
#12. We’re taking This Pup Too!
So, when Kristin saw the little bow-legged dog, she couldn’t resist and took him too. The rescue team couldn’t be happier that Duke had finally found someone who would love him and take care of him.
Kristin had plans for Duke. He was going to walk again, like a normal dog. So, she started raising funds for surgery. And started little by little…
#11. An Important First Step
She started the fundraising right away. This was a matter of urgency: Little Duke needed help ASAP.
After the fundraising, Kristin could get Duke the surgery and help him get his legs straight. And you won’t believe it, but this poor puppy was ready to take his first steps after only a few days from the surgery!
#10. Sitting Straight!
Luckily, the surgery went well and Duke was starting to experience a different kind of sitting and walking…a different way to go about life.
Duke was finally going to run around like a normal little puppy and he also learned some tricks. He looked a lot taller with his fixed legs at one week from the surgery! And he kept healing and growing…
#9. Catch Him If You Can
He was known to be an energetic pup, however, his condition would make him slow. But now that recovery was over they saw his true colors and let me tell you..they were beautiful!
Before the surgery, the staff at the rescue organization could easily catch Duke, but after weeks of recuperation, nobody was able to keep up with the little pup! And in the meantime, he also made new friends!
#8. Saying Hi To These Ladies
At the Little Paws headquarters, Duke played with other puppies, but he also introduced himself to the resident cats.
You can see for yourself the curiosity in his eyes. He is a very excited little pup that can now have a normal life ahead of him.
#7. An American Bulldog
On a photo on their Facebook page, Little Paws said that Duke is a special American bulldog. This breed is generally provided with a well built, strong-looking muscular build and a large head. They tend to live from 10 to 16 years.
American Bulldogs are social, very energetic dogs who enjoy family time. Famous American bulldogs are Spike and Tyke from Tom and Jerry and Petey, the gorgeous pooch we see in this picture, from the movie The Little Rascals.
#6. He Is Ready Now
‘Baby Duke was once a very tiny injured boy; and now, he’s a handsome 5 months old, all healed up hunk’. They also said this…
He learned a lot in the meantime: ‘He is house-trained, crate-trained, great (with) kids and other dogs too!’
#5. A Great Pooch
Looking at how happy and how well behaved Duke is, not to mention all his energy and eagerness, we’d say Duke is the best pooch a human could wish for.
Kristin couldn’t be happier to have made that decision of bringing him with her that day. ‘Rescue dogs are just the greatest. They are so faithful and so grateful,’ she said with little tears of joy in her eyes.
#4. Be a Hero
Dogs yearn for our affection and there are many of them that need a home and someone to care about them. They deserve a better life and trust me, you’ll be rewarded daily if you decide to help them!
Some are young, or old, and some are straight-legged or not, but they all have tons of love and kindness to give.
#3. Adopt, Don’t Shop
Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also be saving a life too. “Near 3 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in America, just because there are too many pets in shelters and very few people consider adoption when they’re looking for a pet,” says humanesociety.org
Rescue dogs can change your life. They need a home and in exchange, they will shower you with love and gratitude. If you cannot adopt, Little Paws’ website has a few tips on how to help with the rescues…
#2. Be a Foster Parent, Donate Or Volunteer
If you cannot adopt a pooch, you can consider fostering one until a home is found for them. Or, if you cannot foster, you can donate to the animals in need. And if that is not possible, you can be a volunteer.
There are just too many options, so many things one can do to avoid this horrific situation and they all come with a priceless reward: the love of these wonderful babies (cause they all are, no matter their age).
#1. Spread the Word
Even if you can’t do any of the things suggested by the staff at the Little Paws, you can still use your voice and spread ‘the word to others NOT to buy a dog but rather adopt a rescue.’
“Rescue dog” does not mean damaged, it just means they’ve been let down by humans. Your help is very much appreciated!