Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/deformed-puppy-ophelia/

Millions of dogs are waiting in shelters across the country for a forever home. Some were found as strays while others were surrendered by their owners or a breeder who was unable to sell them.

This is what happened to a five-week-old pit bull puppy named Ophelia.

She was born with deformed paws on her hind legs and the people who bred her brought her to Michigan Animal Rescue League because she was “of no use” to them.

Puppies are supposed to remain with their mothers and littermates until at least eight weeks old. Ophelia was taken away from her family during the vital socialization period all because her back paws didn’t look the same as the others.

She missed out on learning how to properly play and communicate with dogs and humans, which puppies learn from their littermates and mom.

Ophelia arrived with a belly full of worms and unsure of her new surroundings. The shelter staff took their time earning her trust and within an hour she was in their laps.

They all took turns fostering her and bringing her home to socialize her to a new space. The sweet girl took it all in stride and seemed to be getting around just fine on her back paws.

It didn’t take long for the playful puppy to win the heart of a family who is fostering to adopt her.

Sadly, there are countless more dogs just like Ophelia who are waiting for someone to give them a second chance. Adopt don’t shop!

The shelter shared her story on TikTok to show how perfect she is. Check it out below.

@mi_animalrescueleague #marl #animalshelter #rescuedog ♬ Chill Vibes

People commented that they were grateful Ophelia got the second chance she deserves. @user3614565945184 wrote, “What a sweetheart! Thank you for saving a breeders throw away.”

@emmacaulfield800 stated, “Another reason why you should ALWAYS adopt and NEVER shop! no good breeders. See they just dump the dogs when they can’t make money”.

Life has just begun for Ophelia and the shelter said, “Today, Ophelia is happy, healthy, and ready to take on the world!” Check out other dogs waiting at the shelter to meet their person.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog