Van Gogh is far from your average puppy. This little fighter, often dubbed the ‘rolling crocodile’ due to his unique challenges, has defied the odds from the moment he was born. Despite being the smallest and least coordinated of his litter, he has grown into a thriving, joyful dog. This is the heartwarming tale of Van Gogh, a puppy who’s not only surviving but flourishing.
A True Fighter
From the outset, Van Gogh’s life was a battle. Born into the caring hands of Tobies Small Dog Rescue in Los Angeles, he was immediately different—a tiny, one-eared puppy with a multitude of health issues. Unlike his siblings, Van Gogh struggled with severe physical challenges. He was born without one ear and was blind in one eye. Moreover, he suffered from facial paralysis on one side, which affected his mobility and coordination.
Despite these hurdles, Van Gogh’s spirit remained unbroken. Tee Sorge, a dedicated rescuer at Tobies Small Dog Rescue, recognized his will to thrive. “Given all his challenges, Van Gogh is thriving,” Tee remarked in a Facebook post, reflecting on the puppy’s indomitable spirit.
Early Struggles and Special Care
Van Gogh’s early days were filled with challenges. Unable to nurse naturally due to his coordination issues, he couldn’t latch onto his mother like his littermates. This required extra care and attention, which he received in abundance from Donna McKenna, one of the rescue’s most compassionate fosters.
Donna, who had experience with larger dogs, felt an immediate connection with Van Gogh. Despite his size—comparable to a hamster—his personality and resilience stole her heart. Understanding his needs, Donna took on the responsibility of feeding him through a bottle multiple times a day, meticulously ensuring his weight remained within a normal range. It was a labor of love, marked by many ups and downs, as Van Gogh would occasionally lose weight, though he never lost his fighting spirit.
A Milestone Achievement
The turning point in Van Gogh’s life came unexpectedly. One day, after much effort, he managed to stand on his front legs and even move backwards. This breakthrough was monumental. A few days later, he began using his hind legs, and gradually, he learned to walk properly. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Van Gogh, one filled with more play and less struggle.
Before long, Van Gogh was indistinguishable from a regular dog, at least in spirit and behavior. He began to engage in playful antics with his foster siblings, delighting everyone with his ‘doggo dance’—a joyful expression of his newfound mobility and zest for life.
Thriving in a Forever Home
For Donna, the decision to officially adopt Van Gogh was easy. Once she saw him out of immediate danger and progressively improving, she knew he was meant to stay. “Our angel here has grown into a silly, twisted, funny little big guy,” Tee shared in another update on Facebook. The gratitude towards Donna and all of Van Gogh’s supporters was immense, as they had collectively provided him with a loving, stable home.
Now fully adapted to his home in California, Van Gogh not only enjoys his life but also plays a crucial role in welcoming new foster dogs into the house. He ensures that they receive the same love and care that he was fortunate enough to receive.
A Playful, Loving Character
Van Gogh grew up to be a twisted, silly pup who loves nothing more than to play and cuddle. His playful nature and loving demeanor make him a favorite among both humans and dogs. His capacity to love, perhaps enhanced by his own experiences, came in handy when his mom, Donna, introduced another special-needs dog into the family—a pup named Lilly.
Van Gogh and Lilly quickly became inseparable, best friends embarking on countless adventures together. With every new day, they continue to explore the world around them, supported by a family that loves them unconditionally.
Conclusion
Van Gogh’s story is one of resilience, love, and transformation. From a struggling, special-needs puppy to a thriving, joyful dog, his journey is a testament to the power of compassionate care and indomitable spirit. In Van Gogh, we see not the setbacks of his condition, but the triumph of his heart and the boundless joy he brings to everyone around him. The rough days are indeed behind him, as he looks forward to a future filled with love, play, and endless cuddles.
