Roo, an 8-week-old Labrador mix, was named after a ‘kangaroo’ because she hops on her hind legs. When she walks though, rather than using all fours like most animals, Roo leans on her elbows with her bottom in the air. Roo was born with six legs – two more in the front than a typical dog would have – so she has some difficulty moving as a normal dog does.
Lauren Salmon’s 15-year-old son, Luke, found Roo advertised by a breeder online. Their family knew they had to have her since she was born with a defect and the likely outcome if the breeder couldn’t find her home would be euthanasia. When they arrived at the farm to collect her, she came bounding out of her enclosure and leaped up on her hind legs in excitement. Despite her disability, she was obviously full of life, and they could tell right away how much joy she brought them.
Lauren Salmon’s 15-year-old son, Luke, found Roo advertised by a breeder online. Their family knew they had to have her since she was born with a defect and the likely outcome if the breeder couldn’t find her home would be euthanasia.
When they arrived at the farm to collect her, she came bounding out of her enclosure and leaped up on her hind legs in excitement. Despite her disability, she was obviously full of life, and they could tell right away how much joy she brought them.
“She’s full of puppy energy, so we’d describe her as placid but playful. There are not many dogs like Roo out there,” Salmon told Fox News. “I think the breeders kill them off because they’re not worth anything, but to us she’s priceless.”
Roo and Luke have become best friends since Roo came home, and he knows exactly how it feels to be an outsider. While attending school, Luke was constantly bullied due to his psoriasis–a skin condition that creates red patches all over the body. Now he has a new best friend, and so does Roo!
In addition to new loving humans, Roo also has a new doggy sibling, along with two cats and two rabbits. Salmon is now working with Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick to see how they can improve Roo’s mobility. Although her two extra legs hinder her from walking normally, they do not cause her any pain.
