Sadly, we’re reminded every day that there are many dogs who are deprived of the right to be happy. Older dogs and dogs with disabilities have a hard time finding a loving home.
Not only are they overlooked for adoption in favor of other young and healthy dogs, but they are often at risk of being euthanized.
Roo, the puppy heroine of our next story, escaped such destiny. Let’s see what happened. Roo, a sweet Labrador puppy, was born with six legs.
When she was 8 weeks old, her breeder posted an advertisement online, and Luke Salmon, a 15-year-old teenager, saw it. After talking to his mom, they decided to buy her.
Image source: @roosfund2019
They feared that she would be euthanized if her breeder was unable to sell her. They couldn’t wait to meet her, so they went to the farm to get her.
When the puppy saw them, she started jumping on her back legs with excitement. Her family realized what a playful pup she was despite her disability.
“She’s full of puppy energy, so we’d describe her as placid but playful. There are not many dogs like Roo out there.
I think the breeders kill them off because they’re not worth anything, but to us, she’s priceless,” said Lauren, Luke’s mom.
Image source: @roosfund2019
Love At First Sight Roo and Luke became best friends, and their connection was special. “It was love at first sight for Luke and Roo from then on.”
Luke knew how it felt to be an outsider. He was bullied in school because he suffers from psoriasis – a skin condition that manifests itself in red spots all over the body.
“Luke feels like the odd one out because of his condition, and now he has got a best friend to match,” Lauren added. He lets his best friend sleep in his bed. When she moves, she jumps on her back legs, using her front paws as elbows to support herself. She reminded her family of a kangaroo and that’s how she got her name.
Image source: @roosfund2019
Luke took Roo on walks in her wheelchair and Roo helped him reduce his stress levels. One of her favorite things to do with her family is sunbathe. Although Roo was disabled, she wasn’t in pain.
She often hung out with her sibling, Taz – a Jack Russell cross Chihuahua dog. The Salmon family wanted to help her improve her mobility, so they consulted a specialist vet, Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick.
Roo had her first surgery on January 22 in 2020, and had one of her excess legs removed. Her family was always trying to help her as much as possible, and they looked for ways to make her life easier.
Image source: @roosfund2019
They started a fundraiser to help collect money for Roo’s wheelchair. People who heard her inspirational story followed her progress on her Instagram account.
Everybody was cheering for her. Unfortunately, her brokenhearted family shared that Roo moved on to puppy heaven on May 26, 2022. Although she lived a short life, it was filled with unconditional love.
Roo is now a furry angel who is watching over her family and all of her well-wishers. Roo, we will never forget you. You have always been a true fighter and an inspiration.
We take comfort in knowing that you’re now in a better place, away from pain. So long, sweet furry angel!
