When a two-pound Great Dane puppy was taken to the vet by a breeder for euthanasia due to his deformed paws, an animal enthusiast named LB decided to intervene.
Upon learning of the situation from The Animal Pad rescue, LB sprang into action and quickly took the puppy in as a foster.
Having fostered numerous animals before, LB was well-equipped to care for this charming little pup.
However, she never imagined how significant he would become in her life.
A Special Pup
This adorable pup, named Forrest, was born with curled-over deformed paws, which made walking a challenge for him.
“We were racing against time to correct his feet before he grew too large. Each pound he gained added more weight to those feet that couldn’t support him,” LB recounted in an interview with The Dodo.
As time went on, Forrest found it increasingly difficult to walk.
Determined to help, LB reached out to every vet and orthopedic specialist she could find, but unfortunately, none had encountered a similar case before, leaving them unsure of the next steps.
As Forrest grew, his struggle to walk worsened.
As the situation became urgent, LB was advised to contact Lumen and her owners, which turned things around!
A Comparable Case
Lumen was another pup with the same deformities as Forrest. Yet, their similarities extended beyond just their conditions.
Lumen had also been brought to the same vet and was initially slated for euthanasia.
Fortunately, she was quickly adopted by wonderful humans who located a vet capable of performing surgery to correct her paws.
“After speaking with Lumen’s family, we realized it was unlikely that Lumen and Forrest weren’t related given the unusual nature of their conditions and the fact they originated from the same area,” LB explained.
Thanks to the fortunate connection with Lumen’s vet in Oregon, Forrest received the essential help he needed.
LB, Forrest, and The Animal Pad’s director, Lauren, loaded up the van for a road trip from San Diego to Eugene, marking a turning point in Forrest’s life.
At the Vet
Upon their arrival at the vet clinic in Eugene, Forrest underwent a thorough examination and was promptly scheduled for surgery.
“He requires surgery on all four paws. We’ll take it one paw at a time, as we don’t yet know the full outcome,” Lauren explained.
Due to the need for ongoing checkups between surgeries and to allow his paws to heal, Forrest had to remain in Oregon for several months.
Fortunately, Forrest was in caring hands.
With a supportive network of foster parents, including Lumen’s family, they ensured he had everything needed for a speedy recovery.
After five months, Forrest was ready to return home.
“He might have grown significantly, but it felt as though nothing had changed,” LB remarked.
A New Life
While still in Oregon, LB met Tyler, who instantly fell in love with the brave pup.
“I approached, and there was this big, silly Great Dane with quirky feet. He looked up at me with those sweet little eyes, and I knew, ‘Oh yes, we’re going to bond.’ I spent nearly an hour just wrestling with him — it was love at first sight, so much joy,” Tyler shared.
Despite Forrest’s recovery being underway, he wasn’t overly active. However, Tyler made sure to play with him in a safe, gentle manner.
During their outdoor activities, Tyler often carried Forrest as his feet would ache after prolonged walking.
As Forrest and Tyler spent more time together, they formed an unbreakable bond.
“One day, while cuddling on the floor, Tyler declared, ‘That’s it. I’m adopting this dog,’” LB recounted.
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