Wheelie Doggone Cute
In April 2008, Three Chihuahuas came to New York's North Shore Animal League so badly deformed they resembled pint-sized kangaroos.
These three pups, born without front legs, quickly learned to hop on their back paws. But it was a short-term solution. And now they've got what they really need -- a set of wheels.
"Chihuahuas aren't meant to hop around. Long term, it would lead to spine and hip injuries," Animal League spokesman Devora Lynn told About.com.
Lynn suspects that the dogs fell victim to human misbehavior. "Celebrities have made Chihuahuas a hot commodity, and some breeders are not acting responsibly."
And now the three 11-month-olds -- Venus, Carmen and Pablo -- are learning to steer Chihuahua-sized aluminum wagons, small and light enough for them to push, that will let them lead normal lives.
These three pups, born without front legs, quickly learned to hop on their back paws. But it was a short-term solution. And now they've got what they really need -- a set of wheels.
"Chihuahuas aren't meant to hop around. Long term, it would lead to spine and hip injuries," Animal League spokesman Devora Lynn told About.com.
Lynn suspects that the dogs fell victim to human misbehavior. "Celebrities have made Chihuahuas a hot commodity, and some breeders are not acting responsibly."
And now the three 11-month-olds -- Venus, Carmen and Pablo -- are learning to steer Chihuahua-sized aluminum wagons, small and light enough for them to push, that will let them lead normal lives.
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