Roo, an 8-week-old Labrador mix, was named after a ‘kangaroo’ because she hops on her hind legs. Roo walks on her hind legs, but rather than using her fours like other animals, she leans on her elbows and holds her bottom high 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. They arrived at the farm to pick her up and she ran from her enclosure, jumping on her hind legs. Despite her disability she was clearly full of life and they could see how much joy she brought to them.
Image (Screenshot/Story video Source Credit: SWNS Channel via YouTube Video
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.
They arrived at the farm to pick her up and she ran from her enclosure, jumping on her hind legs. Despite her disability she was clearly full of life and they could see how much joy she brought to them.
Image (Screenshot)/Story video Source Credit: SWNS Channel via YouTube Video
“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 Fox News. “I think the breeders kill them off because they’re not worth anything, but to us she’s priceless.”
Since Roo was brought home, Luke has become close friends with Roo. He knows how it feels to be outsider. While attending school, Luke was constantly bullied due to his psoriasis–a skin condition that creates red patches all over the body. Roo has become Luke’s best friend.
Image (Screenshot/Story video Source Credit: SWNS Channel via YouTube Video
Roo has a new family of loving people, as well as Roo’s new dog sibling. He also has two cats and two rabbits. Salmon is now working with Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick to see how they can improve Roo’s mobility. Although her extra legs prevent her from being able to walk normally, they don’t cause any pain.
Enjoy the heartwarming video of Roo below!
