Unleashed: Faith's story an inspiration for disabled dogs everywhere

[Bozita]

http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/12/unleashed_faiths_story_an_insp.html

Unleashed: Faith's story an inspiration for disabled dogs everywhere
By Mary Ullmer | The Grand Rapids Press
December 12, 2009, 10:56AM

I admit it. I'm a sucker for dogs, and a sucker for underdogs. So when I spotted a picture of Faith, a two-legged dog, I had to find out more.

Faith was born in December 2002 and was malnourished and near death when her owner's son brought her home at 3 weeks old (the dog's mother, knowing Faith wasn't normal, wasn't taking care of her). But Faith was nursed back to health by Jude Stringfellow. Faith was born with three legs, but one had to be amputated when she was 7 months old.

Today, Faith is a happy dog who amazes people by walking upright (think about it, she really doesn't have a choice). Count Oprah Winfrey among the many celebrities with which she has rubbed elbows. There's even a Web site dedicated to her. ( http://faiththedog.info/ )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSB9aBMayxU

I'm sharing Faith's story because it's fascinating, and because it shows how amazing animals can be if given the chance. Many thought Stringfellow should have put Faith down early on, but her owner stuck with her.


Which brings us to ... Milo. He's a 3-month hold Labrador retriever/Chow mix who is available for adoption at Humane Society of Kent County. And, like Faith, he's an underdog.


Milo

Milo's mother suffered from malnutrition, and Milo was born with a deformed front leg. The leg looks more like a chicken wing than a leg, and it appears to have two paws growing from it. He'll never be able to walk on the leg (it's bent and can't reach the ground), but Dr. Wendy Swift, the veterinarian at HSKC, says it won't give him any trouble, either.

I visited Milo last week, and brought a friend in the hopes she'd adopt him. We both adored Milo, but my friend feared it just wouldn't work out in her home (a lot of stairs, for one thing, she said).

Milo will make a fine family member for someone, even if he won't be able to run as fast as other dogs or may stumble a bit as he continues growing (Dr. Swift said he'd probably reach 50 pounds or so). If you've got a big heart, patience and a loving home, I'd encourage you to see if you and Milo might make a perfect match.

If Milo's not the one for you, plenty of other pets are waiting to find a "forever" home. Why not bring them a little Christmas cheer?

E-mail Mary Ullmer: [e-mail]

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Great story. hope Milo finds a loving, forever home very soon.