Dog’s special gesture with 'missing' limb shows resilience that’s breaking the internet

Often, people don't realize how lucky they are to be healthy until they see others with disabilities navigate life through unimaginable challenges. Now, for humans, though difficult, the journey can be a bit smoother with supportive people around them. And, just like us, animals, especially those with health complications, also thrive only when their parents, despite the hurdles, accept them with unconditional love and blessings. Though emotional support from others helps, it's the inner strength that empowers someone to move forward in life. For instance, a video shared on @ami_stela's Instagram page reveals how an amputee dog refuses to let her condition define her.

Even after losing her front right leg, the sweet pup tries to move her shoulder every time her owner asks for a paw. Her twinkling eyes and innocent act show how determined she is not to base her entire life on an irreversible medical condition. "She’s a hero," the dog's owner wrote in the video caption, reflecting on the sweet pup's unshakable spirit. Though this dog was fortunate to have a family that helped her cope with the grief, which eventually led to building up a more confident pup, not everyone is as blessed.

As per a shocking report by MARS, research has estimated that almost 143 million homeless dogs are living on the streets across 20 countries that were evaluated. Further, the report published in January 2024 claims that globally, almost 1 in every 5 people are considering giving up their pets soon. A study indicates that disabled dogs usually wait four times longer for adoption, showing the biases at play among us. Surviving in a world like that can only be easier if humans become more accepting of animals and vice versa. 

Meanwhile, the video received an overwhelming response on the internet, with people appreciating the dog's unbelievable spirit, despite her physical condition. Echoing the sentiments, @user1708495391644 commented, "Why did you make me cry as soon as I opened this app? Please give her extra belly rubs from this internet stranger." @foteinivasileiadi said, "I am telling you it's their heart that does everything! The paw, the wagging tails, the zoomies — everything! She is adorable and precious." Another user who goes by @rolintius on social media said, "Could you please give her a hug and many kisses from me? This is the best girl!"

Similarly, another person, who goes by @lisawilmot2, confessed, "It took me a second to realize what was happening, but omg, she’s the absolute sweetest." @hannahbrown524, a pet parent wrote, "My girl is the TWIN to yours (but with four paws), and this video 100% made me cry. What a good girl!" On the other hand, @pdjsmith wrote, "Dogs really are creatures of habit! Once I removed a staircase from beneath my deck, and turned it around so the stairs faced the opposite direction. After that, my German Shepherd simply wouldn't go down the stairs; he couldn't deal with it. It took him ages to get used to the stairs being in a different direction." @james_e_jose_portugal revealed, "It’s as though I can see her leg when she does that. She’s beautiful."

You can follow @ami_stela on TikTok for more dog-related content.