Jumping on her two hind legs, this happy poodle moves more like a kangaroo than a dog after losing her front legs in a car crash.
The pup named Cora Rose was destined for euthanasia after her legs and pelvis were shattered in the accident in Stockton, California last year.
But Zach Skow, 39, and his wife Heather, 32, rescued her from an animal shelter and paid $10,000 for life-saving medical treatment.
The determined pooch at first used a cart to get around but now spends most of her time bouncing around on her hind legs.
Mr Skow, who has four other dogs and cares for 115 through his charity Marley’s Mutts, said: ‘Of all our dogs, Cora Rose is the happiest.
‘Dogs can bounce back so quickly – she jumps, hops, all day long – she’s very strong.
‘She’s so resilient. Her quality of life is through the roof – losing her two front legs hasn’t starved her of anything.’
The couple first came across Cora Rose at the City of Stockton Animal Shelter in California, where staff were considering euthanasia after the December 2017 crash.
When they rescued Cora Rose, she had one leg in a cast and was suffering an osteo infection in the other, caused by bone protruding through the skin turning septic.
Mr Skow, who has four other dogs and cares for 115 through his charity Marley’s Mutts, said: ‘Of all our dogs, Cora Rose is the happiest’
After the operation, it took two months for the poodle to heal and then she could finally use her cart to get around
Mr Skow, who has a six-month-old daughter, said: ‘That kind of infection is like cancer for dogs.
‘The leg needed to be amputated immediately. One leg at a time had to be amputated, because she would have been under anaesthesia for too long if we had done both.
‘After surgery, she had a hard time because she still had a shattered hip and still couldn’t move properly.
‘It took two months to heal, and then she could finally use her cart to get around.’
Now, seven months after the surgery in March this year, sprightly Cora Rose is hopping around like nothing happened.
Mr Skow says Cora Rose and the other pups rescued him from alcoholism.
Now, several months after the surgery in March this year, sprightly Cora Rose is hopping around like nothing happened
He founded Marley’s Mutts in 2009 and says the animals are what helped him get sober.
Mr Skow, who also has a pig, horse and cat, said: ‘I had cirrhosis of the liver and needed a transplant.
‘My weight dropped from 183 lbs to 140 lbs, my skin was yellow and I had to use a catheter.
‘I had fantasized about ways of taking my own life. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. I looked like an old man.
‘One day I was weeping and crying when I looked back to see my dogs looking at me.
‘It made me realize that I was still the leader of their pack. They could still see the man inside.
‘The next day I started walking with them. Everywhere I went I had dogs with me.
‘Walking with the dogs meant I became healthy enough to undergo a liver transplant, but six months later doctors told me I didn’t even need one any more.
‘I never set out to be a dog rescuer, but they saved me.
‘Now we rescue hundreds of dogs a year. It’s the most heartwarming thing you can do.’
Mr Skow, who also has a pig, horse and cat, took in Cara Rose (pictured after the operation)Continue Reading
Against All Odds: The Heartwarming Tale of a Tiny Roadside Survivor’s Courage and Triumph.
When we received an urgent call about Ollie, our hearts sank at the thought of a scared puppy fending for himself on the streets. Determined to make a difference, we rushed to find him and provide the comfort and safety he deserved.
Our search for Ollie led us through alleys and hidden corners, checking under tables, behind dumpsters, and in every nook and cranny until we spotted him.
Huddled beneath a table, Ollie was visibly frightened and alone. It appeared that his owner had heartlessly abandoned him to face the harsh realities of life on the streets. Our hearts went out to him, and we were determined to offer our help.
Speaking to Ollie with gentle reassurance, he began to trust us, though the fear still lingered in his eyes. Carefully, we lifted him up and transported him to our car, ensuring he was warm and comfortable on the way to the shelter.
At the shelter, Ollie received a thorough checkup, nutritious meals, and a cozy bed. With time, his physical and emotional wounds began to heal, and a glimmer of hope returned to his eyes.
As Ollie regained his strength, we guided him through the process of socializing with other animals and people. He learned to trust again, proving that he could not only receive love but also reciprocate it.
With Ollie’s remarkable improvement, we set out to find him a forever home with a family who would cherish and care for him. After a thorough search, we found the perfect match. The adopting family embraced Ollie with open arms and love, assuring us that he would have a lifetime of happiness in their care.
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