BIG BURDEN: Cassie, the 10 week old black labrador, carries the weight of a huge hernia on her three legs, and her owners are asking for help to have it fixed. PHOTO: Troy Baker C5013-24
MEET Cassie, the black labrador puppy with three legs, a hernia larger than her head and a lust for life.
Her Edgecumbe owners are asking for help to pay for an increasingly urgent operation to have the hernia fixed.
When the puppy was born on November 9 with no left hind leg and the huge growth on her stomach, veterinarians advised owner Michele Walker that putting her down was one option.
She decided to take Cassie home so the dog could spend a night with her mother Lulu and eight siblings.
That night, Cassie showed such spirit – playing, eating and interacting with vigour – that the Walkers decided to give her a chance.
“She had this huge lust for life. It really would have felt like murder,” Mrs Walker said.
Apart from the hernia, the puppy has remained in good health and had developed a sweet, cheeky nature.
“She really is the sweetest girl, everyone who meets her falls for her,” Mrs Walker said.
“She is incredibly active. We were told she could be lethargic and not want to do anything, but she is the most outgoing of all the puppies, and the smartest.
“She is so chipper. I’ve got a list of people who would want to buy her once she’s been fixed.”
Mrs Walker said the puppy had been nicknamed Chicken, due to the little stump of her missing leg.
The rural family had saved money for Cassie’s operation, however their car broke down and they had to use the operation money to buy a new one on Monday.
The procedure becomes more urgent as the hernia grows larger and is at risk of rupturing.
Mrs Walker said the family had no regrets about keeping Cassie, in spite of the “small fortune” spent on her care.
She said the estimated cost of the operation was $600, plus post-operation care costs.
“We know the hernia is a shock to people but we’re kind of used to it. She moves really well and she is actually a really happy dog.”
Anyone wishing to contribute towards Cassie’s operation can contact the Walker family on 07 304 6010.
