Reader Rescue Story: Clio Has Three Legs and an Enormous Heart

Happy Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Our reader rescue story this week was submitted by Kim Fontes. Clio, her Labrador, may only have three legs, but she more than makes up for it in heart.

If you’re the pet parent of a rescued dog, we want to share your story, too! You just might inspire someone else to save a life. For information about submitting your rescue tale, click here.

I first spotted Clio on a rescue site for Labs. Her story wasn’t unlike most others; she was looking for her forever home. What I did notice about her picture were her soulful eyes and that she was holding up a paw, and looked to be in a bit in pain.

As I read her story, I found out she had mostly likely been hit by a car and was dumped at a vet’s to be put down. I realized that she was in pain because she had extensive nerve damage to her front leg and it would need to be amputated. Thankfully the vet was sympathetic and able to save her life by performing the necessary amputation.

I quickly inquired about her and was told that she would be available for adoption after the surgery was completed. There were not a lot of inquiries about her, so the adoption process went very smoothly and quickly.

We were notified that the surgery had been performed and that she would soon be on a van with other rescues to greet us in Boston.

It was a typical cold and icy day when we drove to meet the caravan of dogs en route to their new homes. Despite the blustery weather, all of the adopters were excited, if a bit anxious, about the dogs’ arrival!

A van slowly pulled into the area where we all waiting, and we heard lots of barking and whimpering. The kind volunteer who had driven the final leg of the trip unlatched the door.

Whoosh! A black dog came flying out of the back and started running around in circles. Someone shouted, “I think that one is mine!”

We stood there with our mouths open as we watched a three-legged dog race by us. We laughed and said, “That is definitely Clio!”

She came into our lives with an explosion, and has spent the last seven years keeping us laughing and on our toes. No one told Clio that her life might be different or compromised; therefore, she has never acted that way. She runs, fetches, swims and loves long walks. She has the kindest dog heart that I have ever known and showers everyone with love.

Clio teaches us every day that life is about living, no matter what obstacles you may face. Every day we look at her and smile, grateful to be on this journey with her.

PHOTOS: Kim Fontes

i Love Dogs, Inc.

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.