Bio

I'm Niño, a spirited and playful pup with special needs. My charisma and outgoing nature charms caretakers and visitors alike. With my short snout and long legs I may not be the most handsome of dogs, but people find me unique and quirky. I'm a social butterfly and particularly enjoy romping around with younger puppies. Michèle sometimes scolds me for my antics - such as when I jump onto the table - but I know that she loves me regardless. I'm agile and energetic, but my front legs hurt me and so I can't do long walks for the time being. As part of the free-ranging crowd of dogs and cats at the farm refuge, I'm used to living in the house but spend most of my time outdoors. My ideal home has a garden and other pets to play with.

Background

Niño came in when he was just weeks old and barely alive. His front legs were too weak initially to sustain his weight, due to congenital deformity and/or early-age nutritional deficiencies. To make matters worse, he had suffered a traumatic head injury. But the tiny creature had a mighty will to live and with the nutritious food and constant care he received from our team he soon got on his feet. He's grown into a cheerful junior, stirring up the crowd of dogs and cats that populate Michèle's house and garden. While his head injury healed off well, he continues to struggle with his front legs. He has a condition known as carpal valgus causing his legs to bend outward from the wrist. He wore splints for a while, but they were causing him too much discomfort. Currently we give him calcium supplements to support his bones. With specialised veterinary care - perhaps custom-made splints - Niño's mobility can certainly be improved.