Meet Marlo – an 11-week-old puppy who has refused to give up on life despite being born with two complex fractures in her front legs.
Marlo was found as a stray – likely abandoned as a pup after being abused – unable to use either of her front legs.
X-rays revealed she had two broken and dislocated legs at the humerus.
But despite her troublesome start to life, the retriever and collie mix loves nothing more than playing fetch, laying in the sun or messing with her toys.
She happily rolls around, begs for belly rubs and smiles for the camera when her temporary foster parents at CARES animal shelter in Clarksdale, Mississippi, take pictures.
The playful pup has stolen the hearts of her carers.
Paige Daugherty of CARES Clarksdale said: “She so wants to be a normal pup.
“She loves playing fetch, lying in the sunshine and playing with her toys – just like any other puppy.
“To get around, she lowers her head and pushes her body around face first. She essentially scoots around.
RELATED: Couple Drives Into Flood to Rescue Man and Dog Trapped in Car
“She seems to be in no chronic pain, and with the use of a wheel cart, artificial prosthesis, and medical intervention, we believe she can one day run again.”
Marlo is doing well and is placed with a temporary foster family.
Paige added: “Marlo’s adorable personality makes her adaptable, but her disability holds her back.”
The inspirational pup’s impact has been so strong that CARES Clarksdale volunteers are determined to help fix her legs so she can walk again.
RELATED: Injured Dog Gets Perfectly Placed Peanut Butter Treadmill Inspiration
First, they hope to purchase a doggie wheelchair to regain her independence and help her move around without dragging her head along the floor.
Then, with the help of artificial prostheses and surgery, they hope she will one day be able to play her favorite game of fetch, just like every other dog.
Paige added: “She’s a great candidate for a doggie wheelchair, which would get her head off of the dirty floor – but each one costs between $500-600.”
