Puppy walks for the first time after being born with rare deformity

An adorable puppy named Mick has walked for the first time after undergoing therapy for ‘swimmer puppy syndrome’ – a birth defect which left him unable to stand up.

SwimmerPup2

by Abi Hooper |
Published on

The Boston Terrier was unable to walk, stand or sit and could only lay on his stomach because all his legs were splayed out.

"I thought it would be nice to put a little video together from the first day that he came to us and I think it was ten days total"

At six weeks old, Mick was taken into The Mia Foundation in New York - developed to give animals born with birth defects, that might otherwise be put down, a fighting chance.

Mick underwent intense therapy, being propped up to take weight off his chest and spending 15 minute sessions in a puppy harness four times a day to ensure his legs were in the correct position.

Mick was completely flat before his therapy
Mick was completely flat before his therapy

Little Mick also had to have his legs taped and was taken swimming to build muscle in his legs.

Slowly, the cute pup was able to sleep on his side and was soon able to sit up like a normal dog.

Then a miracle happened - Mick started to stand and even began walking!

The online video of Mick finding his feet, posted by the Mia Foundation has gone viral after being shared by people touched by Mick’s story worldwide.

Mick the puppy's first swimming session

Gary and Suzette Rogers started the Foundation that helped Mick in memory of their chihuahua, Mia, who died last year from complications from a cleft palate. They now provide care and therapies for special-needs dogs, nursing them back to health for loving families to adopt.

‘I was pretty amazed at his progress in a short amount of time, so I thought it would be nice to put a little video together from the first day that he came to us and I think it was ten days total,’ said Suzette.

Gary added: ‘What we're trying to do is show the rest of the world that these dogs can be saved and Suzette has taken this viral and hopefully it will save lots of dogs all over the world.’

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