She’s Got What?
In the ever-changing game of life, the shelter puppy Bella was dealt a particularly challenging hand. Yet, her unwavering spirit and resilience refused to be diminished by the unusual condition that set her apart from her canine counterparts.
Within the long history of one Wisconsin shelter, Bella was a veritable trailblazer – the first, and perhaps only, pup they had ever encountered with this extraordinary trait. But it did nothing to diminish her inherent “pawesomeness,” instead imbuing her with a unique charm that would capture the hearts of all who crossed her path.
(Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Dimelia – that was the name of the condition that had left the staff at the Wisconsin Humane Society utterly astonished upon Bella’s arrival. No one in the organization could recall ever seeing a dog quite like her, a pup blessed with not merely the standard four legs, but a remarkable five.
(Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
“We were all just as floored as you likely are when we saw the X-rays! This 6-month-old puppy has dimelia, an extremely rare congenital anomaly characterized by the duplication of bones. It’s basically like an extra leg inside her right hind leg. A normal canine hind leg would have one femur, one tibia, one fibula, and 4-5 toes,” the shelter shared on Facebook, their words tinged with a sense of wonder and amazement.
(Source: Facebook)
Indeed, the X-rays revealed a remarkable sight – Bella’s affected hind leg boasting an additional femur, two tibias, two fibulas, and a grand total of nine toes. A true rarity, with the shelter claiming this to be the first documented case of dimelia in a dog that they had ever witnessed.
Yet, despite this unique physical trait, Bella’s mobility remained unimpaired, her boundless energy and joyful spirit serving as a testament to the resilience of the canine spirit. While experts suggest potential surgical interventions for cases where dimelia poses a genuine challenge, Bella’s condition appeared to be a non-issue, allowing her to bound and play with the enthusiasm of any other puppy.
Where’s My Furever Hooman?
At the Kenosha Campus where Bella currently resides, the staff is confident that this special pup will soon find her forever home. However, they caution that potential adopters must understand the unique needs and considerations that come with a dog like Bella.
(Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
While her five-legged condition may not cause her any trouble in the present, the experts warn that the challenges could mount as Bella grows older. Mobility issues and joint problems often plague senior canines, and a dog with dimelia may face even greater difficulties in this regard.
“Bella’s flipper-like hind leg may not cause her trouble now, but it certainly will as she ages. Older dogs often have mobility problems with their joints and worn-out cartilage. Just imagine how a dog with dimelia would feel about running in a few years,” the shelter cautioned.
This is where the responsibility of pet ownership comes into sharp focus. The savior complex that often drives well-intentioned individuals to adopt may not be enough to sustain the lifelong care and medical attention that a dog like Bella will require.
“Sure, Bella is a wonderful dog… no one doubts that. But, you need to be ready for lots of potential medical bills. Owning a dog is not a hobby… it’s a lifetime responsibility. If you want to get a pup just for fun, and you’re not ready to face situations like lifelong illness, mobility issues, high medical bills, or constant care, please don’t adopt.”
The Wisconsin Humane Society has made it clear that Bella deserves a forever home with a truly committed and prepared adopter – one who understands the unique challenges and is willing to provide the level of care and attention that this exceptional pup will need.
Are you the one who can offer Bella the love, understanding, and lifetime devotion she so deserves? The shelter is eagerly awaiting your arrival, ready to introduce you to this truly one-of-a-kind canine companion.
