Buddy Labrador Retriever Brooklyn Center, MN

Hi! I'm Buddy. I am a black lab born in mid Feb. 2022. Unfortunately, I didn't have the best start as something happened when I was with the breeder where I stopped walking at around 4 weeks of age. I don't remember what, and unfortunately nothing was done to figure out how to help me. A local friend heard about me and was able to get the breeder to surrender me -- I was 5.5 months old at that time. I could kinda walk, but mostly scooted (or as my foster calls it - slinking) around with both my rear legs out to the side. They then let me go to NDLB where I started getting the care I needed.

My rear right leg had minimal muscle mass and my joints wouldn't bend, so I just swung it if I was walking. My rear left leg had better muscle mass and movement. The vet recommended amputate the rear right. Once I healed up from that, I was actually able to walk/hop a little better since I didn't have that hard weight on the side.

I am going through home physical therapy where my foster is doing a range of movement on my rear leg and playing with my toes a lot. (I like to lick her in the face - I mean, it tickles!) The physical therapist we saw recommends moving that leg a lot and playing with toes so I can remember it's there. It would be recommended to continue seeing a professional physical therapist as well - as they are optimistic that I won't need a wheelchair later in life. If I can get a few good steps in, I can walk pretty good. However, I am a lab and get excited too quickly sometimes and end up slinking my way around some times.

With my disability in walking the greatest, I am NOT potty trained. I may never be potty trained unfortunately. So I'm sorry about that. I don't realize I am going most of the time and will continue walking. I am also unable to walk on hardwood/linoleum/non-carpeted floors or go down stairs. So I will need to be carried down stairs (inside & outside). I am working on going up them however, and do need help with just slightly holding my hips. However, I have been doing the first two stairs by myself - carpeted as well as outside stairs! My foster momma is super proud of that.

Despite all of that, I love everyone I meet. I love kids and adults. I love playing with other dogs. I also love playing fetch (though it's more you tossing and helping me up from me slinking). I haven't met any cats so I don't know how I would be with them.

I do bark in my kennel when I hear someone, when it's food time, when I've peed/pooped in the kennel, or at various times. I ride great in the car - tethered to a seat or in a crate. I'm fine as long as I get to go somewhere with you. I do have a special "Help Em Up" harness that will go with me when I am adopted.

I have been in my foster home for over a year now. I can go up the stairs (as long as they are carpeted, longer flights (4+) I may need help on. I still don't like slippery floors. I am better in the kennel and don't bark as much. However, I do still go to the bathroom wherever, but I seem to know when I'm going and not walking around during it as much.

Do you think you have room for a special needs boy who has an amazing heart?

Adoption fee includes:

Full veterinary exam, alter, prepaid microchip, dewormed, Rabies vaccine, DAPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccine, 4DX

, flea/tick and heartworm preventative while in rescue. Adoption fee: $525.00