Baby Joey needs your help!

7/26/2021
Over the weekend, Great Dog Rescue NE took in a 7 week old chihuahua mix named Joey. He was one of a litter of 9, but he was born different from the others. Joey’s front legs didn’t form correctly, leaving him with one working short leg, and one small leg that folds in on itself that he doesn’t seem to have much control over. His owners reached out to Great Dog early on, knowing they didn’t have the finances or ability to give him the long term support he would need. They loved him, kept him safe, and let him go when the time was right. 

Since entering foster care with Great Dog, Joey has been seen by a veterinarian who has started planning for what she sees to be a bright future. He has gotten the basic vetting needed for his age, but as he grows will need radiographs to get an inside look at his skeletal structure and internal organs. He may need amputation of the leg that at the moment does not seem to be of much use to him. Right now, he uses his back legs and chin to scoot, and his nubby leg to climb and maneuver, so a front end custom wheelchair will be necessary for him in the future. Physical therapy, as well as any additional treatment deemed necessary will be options for Joey with your help. 

For now, Joey is enjoying life in his foster home. The 2.5 year old little girl is smitten and refers to him as her “baby puppy”. Equally as smitten is the 80lbs, eight month old German Shepherd puppy, who likes to lay by Joey’s crate, their noses touching through the bars. With Joey at .9lbs, it is quite the sight to behold. Joey is adorable and feisty, loves to “wrestle” with hands and makes the cutest noises. His tiny tail wags when he interacts with his foster humans. He is the cutest little thing, and he deserves every opportunity in life. 

Joey may be small, but he is mighty. This little guy got off to a rough start, but with your help, Great Dog will see that his future is full and bright.