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
Meet Fred the Dogfather: A Heartwarming Tale of Adoption as He Embraces Fifteen Orphaned Ducklings Amidst the Mystery of Their Vanishing Mother Duck
In the picturesque setting of Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted, Essex, a heartwarming story unfolds, showcasing the remarkable kindness of Fred, a 15-year-old yellow Labrador. In a twist of fate, Fred has once again assumed the role of a nurturing father figure, this time to a brood of fifteen orphaned ducklings, adding another chapter to his legacy of compassion.
Fred’s story of adopting orphaned ducklings is far from new; in fact, it’s a story that has unfolded not once, not twice, but three times within the past five years. This loyal and gentle labrador retriever has captured the hearts of many with his undeniable knack for stepping up when needed the most.
The tale began in 2018 when Fred first embraced the role of a foster parent, taking in a brood of nine orphaned ducklings. The images and videos of Fred cradling the ducklings on his back, protecting them, and watching over them spread across social media, warming hearts and spreading smiles. His devotion and care were evident as he guided them through their delicate early stages of life.
The following year, in 2019, Fred’s compassionate spirit shone once again. When seven ducklings found themselves abandoned, Fred was quick to extend his paw in support. He welcomed them with open arms, offering a lifeline to these vulnerable creatures and ensuring they had the chance to thrive and grow.
Now, in his senior years at the age of 15, Fred’s story has come full circle. When fifteen more ducklings faced a bewildering loss of their mother, Fred emerged as their steadfast protector and caretaker. Photographs captured the heartwarming scenes of these tiny ducklings nestled between Fred’s legs and perched confidently on his back. The sight of these fluffy yellow bundles finding solace in Fred’s presence is a testament to the remarkable bond that transcends species.
Jeremy Goldsmith, Fred’s owner, shared the touching account, expressing pride in his beloved canine companion’s consistent acts of compassion. While the circumstances surrounding the mother duck’s sudden disappearance remain a mystery, one thing is certain: Fred’s unwavering love and dedication have provided these ducklings with a second chance at life.
Fred’s role as a foster parent isn’t merely about convenience; it’s a testament to the deep empathy and sense of responsibility that he embodies. He is more than a pet – he is a beacon of hope and a reminder that love knows no bounds. As the ducklings continue to grow under Fred’s watchful care, their story stands as a heartening reminder that even in the face of adversity, kindness and love have the power to create a brighter tomorrow.
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