Last Updated on December 24, 2023 by Fumipets
Rescued ‘Friendly’ Two-Legged Stray Dog’s Life-Changing Journey
Discover the Heartwarming Tale of Nubs, the Resilient German Shepherd
Life has a funny way of presenting us with unexpected heroes, and Nubs, a courageous German Shepherd mix, is a true testament to this. Born with deformed front legs, Nubs faced an uphill battle from the very start. However, destiny had an incredible surprise in store for him, one that would change his life forever.
A Stray’s Remarkable Journey
Nubs’ journey began when he stumbled upon a kind-hearted man living in rural West Virginia. The poor pup was in dire straits – emaciated and trembling with fear. He had developed callouses on his chin from either dragging himself along the ground or hopping like a kangaroo. This brave survivor wouldn’t have lasted long as a stray, considering the region’s high concentration of coyotes and the occasional black bear.
Deborah Casteel, the shelter’s executive director, shared, “This handsome boy came from a man who lives in the country. The poor dog came up to his house, very thin and scared. He either scooted on the ground—his chin is calloused from this—or hopped like a kangaroo, my staff here calls him Roo.”
A Ray of Hope
Nubs spent two months under the caring gaze of the gentleman who found him. Deeply concerned about the dog’s future, the man stumbled upon Cain’s Benevolent Fund, an initiative by the Doddridge County Humane Society (DCHS) that provides a lifeline to community animals in need of medical care. Casteel explained, “I told him that we would take the dog to the vet and have him checked out. Then, if he wants to adopt him, he can complete our application process, and we would cover all of the costs.”
To everyone’s surprise, Nubs received a clean bill of health from the veterinarian, except for his congenital deformity in the front legs. Despite this challenge, Nubs captured the hearts of everyone with his boundless affection.
Unbreakable Spirit
“Even the vet was crying by the end of the appointment, at how such an animal could be so friendly after being alone and helpless,” Casteel recounted.
Determined to enhance Nubs’ quality of life, the shelter initiated a fundraiser for a custom mobility cart from Eddie’s Wheels for Pets in Massachusetts. Astonishingly, the initial fundraising goal of $740 was exceeded within three hours, underscoring the community’s incredible support and love for animals.
Nubs Finds His Home
As Nubs eagerly awaits his custom cart, he has become a cherished resident at the shelter. Casteel describes him as “such a good boy” who revels in bath time, enjoys playing with other dogs, and has formed a heartwarming bond with a 7-month-old puppy named Olaf.
“The cart should arrive within 2 or 3 weeks. There will be a period of time where Nubs will need to adjust to the cart,” Casteel explained. “When he’s inside his new home, he can get around without the cart on smooth floors, but he will need it when he goes outside.”
In Nubs, we find not just a dog but a symbol of resilience, hope, and the indomitable spirit that refuses to be defeated. His story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the human-animal bond can bring about miracles.
Source: Newsweek
