Abused Puppy Learns to Walk on Two Legs

The owners of a Pit Bull puppy with fractured front legs and burns on his paws and stomach originally said the injuries were caused by a tumble from a third-floor window.

Oddly, despite their puppy’s severe injuries, Zachary Hinton and Sarah Anderson did not seek veterinary care.

This week the true cause of the 6-month-old puppy’s injuries was revealed.

Witnesses said both Hinton and Anderson had slammed the puppy to the floor multiple times because he had chewed on their couch, FOX 12 reported.

The couple then waited several months before finally taking him to the Humane Society of Del Norte in Crescent City, Calif.

Hinton and Anderson were formally charged today with two felony charges of animal cruelty, torture and neglect. Each felony carries a sentence of 16 to 36 months prison time and up to a $20,000 fine.

The Humane Society of Del Norte named the puppy London – because the little guy had the strength and perseverance of an Olympic athlete.

But London required more specialized treatment than the humane society could provide, so last month he was brought to Panda Paws, a rescue in Vancouver, Wash., that rehabilitates dogs with medical issues.

Because of the time that had elapsed, surgery to realign the shattered bones in London’s front legs would have been extremely risky. Instead, veterinarians amputated his legs on Aug. 1. When London heals, he will be fitted with a front wheelchair.

In the meantime, the pooch has lived up to the inspiration for his name by learning to walk on his back legs.

The website WeAreTeamLondon.org was created by Panda Paws to provide updates on the dog and raise funds for his treatment. According to a status update just a week after his surgery, London “started physical exercise & he couldn’t be happier! London climbed two flights of stairs with Amanda gently holding his collar for balance & he didn’t skip a beat! He RAN up those stairs!”

London’s Facebook page, which has more than 4,400 followers, calls him “full of life and an inspiration to everyone who meets him.” You can also follow @goteamlondon on Twitter for updates on London’s progress.

The cost of London’s treatments has been covered by donations to WeAreTeamLondon.org. To help other dogs in need, a Team London Scholarship Fund has been created. You can make a donation by clicking here.

PHOTO: Facebook

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is senior social media writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. She does love dogs. And elephants and turtles. Along with writing about the loves of her life, Laura likes to play with her two pound pups and tell anyone who’ll listen just how awesome Pit Bulls are.