From Cinco to Ace

 

In the card game of life, the odds can seem against you from the beginning.  That’s how things seemed for Cinco.  This charming black lab mix was one of a litter of five puppies set to be destroyed.  He was also born with a unique handicap – five legs instead of four.  His two hind legs were normal.  One front leg was short and deformed, but functional for balance.  The other front leg consisted of a normal sized leg around which was wrapped yet another leg.  Locomotion was difficult and time-consuming for the frisky puppy. Cinco was repeatedly picked-on by his litter mates due to his small size and difficulty maneuvering.

 

The puppies were rescued and Cinco was brought to his foster home, smelly, dirty and scared.  A visit to a vet confirmed that Cinco would need surgery to amputate his dysfunctional, encumbered front leg.  A week of observation by the vet allowed him to observe that Cinco probably could walk much more effectively after this operation.

A visit from Cinco’s rescuer and her daughter showed that Cinco appreciated what had been done for him.  He looked small and helpless stretched out on the recovery table.  When Kylee, Marsha’s 12 year old daughter reached to pet him and speak to him, he tried very hard to respond, by opening his eyes.  Marsha and Kylee were smitten.  The next visit resulted in a happy Cinco bounding out with an orange teddy bear in his mouth.  The deal was sealed.  Cinco became "Ace" and had found his forever home.

Ace has become a valued member of his new family.  He is still a bit awkward, running better than he walks.  He enjoys his pack and his visits to doggie day care.  Training is coming along well.  Ace’s future may hold hospital visitations where his winning ways can inspire others.