If you found the Olympics inspiring, then like us you’re probably in total awe of the super-human resilience of Paralympians.
But it’s not just humans who possess the power to overcome against all odds. Heroes often have four feet, wet noses and wagging tails. Yes, we’re talking about dogs. So here’s our round-up of the most inspirational dogs we’ve spotted, all of whom have overcome challenging injuries or disabilities and shown they’re made of mettle!
TurboRoo
Plucky Chihuahua TurboRoo didn’t let a birth defect that left him without his front legs stop him from becoming a happy, fulfilled doggy. The video above shows the evolution of his wheel cart device, and how quickly Roo has adapted to his new legs.
Daffodil
Since birth, Daffodil has suffered from a deformity resulting in underdeveloped front legs. Her owners weren’t able to continue to care for her, and she was left in a cardboard box before being rescued by puppy rescue staff in San Francisco. Watch the video to see her first-birthday first hiking experience. Her disability is no barrier to her climbing those mountains!
Cola
Sadly, Cola’s story begins with extraordinary violence and suffering inflicted by humans. He was savagely attacked as a punishment for chewing shoes. Thankfully, the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket, Thailand came to his rescue. The founders of the rescue centre eventually adopted him themselves. Watch the video to see the moment his new legs give him the ability to run around once again.
Delphine
Rescued by the RSPCA, Delphine’s new parents were so committed to making her feel at home with them that they travelled hundreds of miles to see her. Delphine has bravery in bucket loads; her hearing is damaged, too, but she learnt to get around her forever home with new vocal commands and special mats.
Nikio the ‘Bionic dog’
Rescued from a freezing basement, Nikio needed surgery after falling ill with frostbite. Thanks to a new owner who want a dog who she could lavish love upon, Nikio was eventually given new ‘bionic’ legs.
Champ
Champ is another dog whose disability resulted in his being abandoned, and a life on the streets only exacerbated Champ’s injuries. Thankfully, due to some expert care, his mangled legs were removed. And if you want to see how true he is to his name, just watch the video above to see him run about and play with other doggy chums!
Rowan
Rowan the German Spitz was born blind. In some ways, it’s a blessing, as he’s never known any different. Rowan relies on his acute sense of hearing and smell to navigate around trees while he’s out walking in the woods. Adopting the same method that whales and dolphins use, he barks and listens out for echoes to help him ’see’ the objects around him. Clever boy, Rowan!
These stories just go to show that all it takes to make a brave dog happy someone to care enough to offer them the extra chance at a new lease of life. There are many, many more stories out there of dogs who have overcome the odds – is your dog one of them? We want to hear their story! Let us know in the comments below.