I think we have all come across a three legged dog, known as a tripod, at some point in our lives. I remember living nearby to a 3 legged Jack Russell when I was growing up. It was strange at first but when I learnt that it was ok for some dogs to have three legs I thought he was cute and full of life. When I saw him it brightened up my day, he was a unique and special dog.
Even though it’s common to see three legged dogs because dogs are sometimes born with three legs or lose a leg, its way less common to find a two legged dog. Today I want to share with you the story of the tiniest and cutest little two legged dog named Turbo. Have you ever met a dog that personifies the saying, ‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog’? Meet Turbo, a pint-sized puppy with a will of iron and a heart of gold.
Turbo was born with two legs but this didn’t stop him playing like other puppies. Puppies are amazing and any puppy I’ve come across with a disability still has just as much life energy as any other puppy. They want to play and explore, sniff and cuddle up on a soft blanket and receive and give lots of cuddles. With only two legs Turbo couldn’t move as fast as his brothers and sisters and soon got a special home with a dog mum who could give him all the care and attention he needed.
Turbo waddled along and his mum used treats to train him to use his two back legs more. This made his two legs much stronger to help him get around more easily. Even though Turbo was getting stronger he was so small. He needed to be able to get around a little faster so he could explore and exercise without tiring out his little body. His mum found some dogs carts to see if they would help him get around. They did but they were all so big for such a small puppy, he would need a more custom option to fit him.
Turbos mum decided to try and make him a little doggy cart. First she tried using a children helicopter toy. The toy was the right size but it didn’t move very well. next came some bigger toy wheels, fastened together to build a makeshift cart. Turbo was trying to use them but they still wouldn’t work out.
Amazingly, an aircraft engineer heard about Turbo and his mums efforts to get him moving. He designed a cart on his computer and set out to build it. His new car was orange and the wheels were taken from a pair of roller blades. What a creative and clever idea this was. It was time for Turbo to test it out, will a cart finally work for him?
It did! Turbo was able to move and after getting used to how to turn and use his new special wheel legs, he was speeding all over the place. Turbo grew bigger and got stronger. One day he even learnt how to jump up onto the sofa. Turbo made friends with another two legged dog and began to live a full life with lots of fun and friends.
We love this story, the strength and will to live that small animals like Turbo have, is amazing! He was tiny but willing to keep on going and with the help of the best doggy mum, had lots of fun and love and could explore his world even though he only had two legs. Turbo’s tale is a powerful reminder that with a little help, anyone can soar, no matter the obstacles. You can watch the video of Turbo, shared by Dodo kids, below.
What an amazing story of resilience. ❤❤