STILLWATER, Okla. -- Doctors at OSU are putting their heads together to give an emotional support dog a second chance at life.
"The owners didn't want it anymore because it was different," said Bob Williams, CEO of Ranch Hands Rescue.
Roo was born with only one 'normal' leg. The one-year-old puppy doesn't know how to stand, sit, or walk.
"One prosthetic is an extreme challenge, now we’re dealing with three of them," said Cara Blake, Assistant Professor of Small Animal Surgery at OSU.
It's a rare case for doctors at OSU, but they're not giving up. They're working with a company in Colorado to make prosthetics for Roo.
"With a little bit of coaxing, a lot of treats, and a lot of love we can convince her that walking with these prosthetics is a good idea," said Blake.
Roo is training to be an emotional support dog with Ranch Hands Rescue, an organization in Texas that pairs abused animals with people who have also gone through trauma.
"There’s a bond that happens between the person that suffered severe trauma or PTSD, and the animal that’s been through severe trauma and PTSD," said Williams.
Roo started her training at OSU back in August. Her owner says if it wasn't for the care she's receiving here, she would've been euthanized.
"The reality is that most people won’t go through the cost or the time to try to put prosthetics in her," said Williams.
The cost isn't cheap. It's $2,000 for each prosthetic, plus expenses for rehab and paying the staff, but everyone who's helping Roo sees the pay off.
"If we can get her walking, she can have a wonderful life, and as I said she can help a lot of kiddos that need her help, that need that love and that commitment," said Williams.
You can visit Ranch Hands Rescue to find out how to donate to help with Roo's expenses.
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