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One very special dog is getting a new leash on life, thanks to a complete set of four prosthetic limbs that are allowing him to walk again!
It wasn’t any easy puppyhood for Brutus, a now 2-years old Rottweiler. Left outside in the cold by his breeder when he was just a tiny puppy, Brutus suffered severe frostbite on all four of his paws. Rather than provide veterinary care, his breeder amputated Brutus’ paws himself, leaving the helpless puppy completely crippled and unable to walk.
Completely disabled, Brutus was able to scoot around on his own, but needed to be carried on hard surfaces or up and down steps. Although he was adopted by a well-meaning family, he was later surrendered when they were unable to keep up with the daily demands of caring for a handicapped pup.
But Brutus’ luck finally has turned around.
Laura Aquilina of Loveland, Colorado began fostering Brutus. She immediately set out to give the deserving dog a better life and a chance at being a real dog.
Along with pet rescue volunteer Laura Ornelas, Aquilina created “Better Paws for Brutus,” a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a complete set of 4 prosthetic limbs for the growing boy.
The campaign reads, “Please join us and together we will give this dog the life he deserves. One that is not full of pain and suffering. Together we will see this gentle giant run for the first time in his life. He will play, he will no longer be trapped in a body that was purposely and cruelly disfigured. Brutus is pure heart!”
After raising the funds needed, Brutus received all four prosthetic limbs and is now learning to walk again. While there is a bit of an adjustment period, Brutus is learning to get around quite well thanks to the dedication of his foster family and regular physical therapy.
“We want to be able to give him a higher function, where he can run and play with other dogs, go on hikes,” Aquilina explained to KDVR.
You can follow Brutus’ story and progress on Facebook, right here.
