October 9, 2009

Art the Two-legged Biped goes Mobile

Hope, the abandoned puppy born with only two legs, enjoys a new home, a new name, and even two new sets of wheels. The dog now called Art lives an active life three other dogs and a retired veterinarian. All in all, Art gets around.

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hope, the abandoned the puppy born with only two legs, has a new home, a new name, and new mobility. The dog now called Art lives an active life with three other dogs and a retired veterinarian. And he gets around.

“I just fell in love with him,” Art’s new owner, Robert Weigle said. “He's taught me more than years of veterinary training has, and a lot about life priorities."

Added Weigle, "He’s just a happy dog and he’s very intelligent and if one thing doesn’t work, he’ll work around it and find a way that does” Weigle said.

Weigle built Art two makeshift wheelchairs, one with four wheels and one with two, which Art uses when he leaves the house.

“He’s really isn’t overly-fond of either of them, unless we’re in a strange area where he gets around and socializes with people,” Weigle said.

When he’s at home, Art prefers to be free of his wheelchairs. “He gets around very well on his own,” Weigle said.

Art and his eight siblings were newborns when they were found in a box shortly before Christmas by the side of an Orlando highway. They were brought to a local shelter, Pet Rescue by Judy. Seven of the puppies were healthy, but Art's two front legs were stumps.

Volunteer Judy Walker fostered Art for about three months until he was ready for his new home. Then he had to put on weight before he use a wheelchair. At 10 months old, he weighs 25 pounds and has adapted to his new name and home.

Recently, Art's former foster caregiver, Walker, had a chance to see Art for the first time since he left her home in March.

“He’s happy and that’s all I wanted,” Walker said. For Walker, it's come full circle: Art the puppy born with two legs is happy, healthy and active.

“It’s amazing what love can do, especially with animals,” she said.

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