As narrated by his owner @maddisonhansonn on TikTok, Nash’s woes began on a random day when he was outside playing without a care in the world. His family noticed him limping after this play session, but there was nothing alarming about his behavior. Nash still seemed cheerful, strong, and energetic. When they later checked his limping (back) leg, they spotted a small lump that barely looked visible. Nash didn’t seem to be in any pain, so his family, like most dog owners, decided to observe him over the days that followed. (Watch Video Below)

At first, Nash’s owners were hopeful that the lump would shrink and disappear on its own. Unfortunately, the opposite happened. Instead of shrinking, this tiny bump grew bigger with every passing day. 

@maddisonhansonn what a journey it’s been 🥹 So proud of him #tripod #tripawd #threeleggeddog #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlife ♬ sonido original – Yeudiel

A Life-Changing Decision

Worried about Nash’s growing lump, his family rushed him to the vet for answers. What they never expected was that this vet visit would come with a devastating diagnosis. After examining Nash and running tests, the vets discovered he had Grade 3 Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) on his limping leg. 

Since the cancer was already in its most aggressive grade, the only option was to amputate Nash’s leg to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of his body. Surgery was necessary to save his life. 

Recovery Struggles

Thankfully, Nash’s surgery was a success. But his recovery and adjustment period were anything but easy. 

During the early days after surgery, Nash struggled to adjust to life without four legs. Everything about his body felt unfamiliar, as he experienced trouble walking, standing, and maintaining balance. His new reality also affected his confidence. Nash couldn’t understand why moving around freely wasn’t normal anymore. But through it all, his family gave him the physical and emotional support he needed to adjust to a tripod lifestyle.

As days went by, Nash began to gain confidence to take the next step, even when it felt hard.

Nash’s Inspiring Transformation

It’s been over a month since Nash got his leg amputated. Amazingly, he’s no longer the unsure, heartbroken pup that he was during the initial days after surgery. Nash has already adapted to life with three legs. He now runs, walks, and plays without hesitation. Above all, his confidence and joyful personality are shining through like never before. 

Nash embraces each day with the same gratitude and enthusiasm he had before his life took a hit. While he may have lost a leg, he never lost the core of who he is: a playful pup who’s full of life.

Nash’s story is proof of how incredibly resilient dogs are in the face of challenges. Most importantly, his journey serves as a timely reminder on the importance of seeking veterinary help when your dog shows any unusual signs, whether minor or major. 

Grade 3 Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Dogs FAQs

Henry was born with a deformity in one of his front legs, which, sadly, had to be amputated. His hind legs don’t work, so he uses a wheelchair for rear support. The most beautiful part about Henry’s story is that he may be one-legged, but he moves through life as though his disability is non-existent. (Watch Video Below)

@henrythe3leggedweenie Henry’s been zooming in his wheelchair lately! 💨 #dachshund #paralyzeddachshund #disableddog #minidachshund #miniaturedachshund ♬ Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding

Even though painful circumstances robbed him of three functioning legs, they didn’t take away his love for playing fetch. Sweet Henry isn’t just obsessed with fetch. He’s exceptionally good at it, so much so that you’ll for a moment forget he’s a one-legged pup. A recent video capturing Henry doing what he does best is melting hearts online, and we honestly feel like it’s the best clip you’ll see all week. 

Henry the Fetch Connoisseur

Henry treats fetch like it’s the greatest invention in the world of dog games. That means he doesn’t joke when it comes to unleashing speed, confidence, and full enthusiasm during a game of fetch. The heartwarming video, posted on TikTok account @henrythe3leggedweenie, shows Henry running after the ball at top speed as though auditioning for the “fastest one-legged dog alive” title. 

Henry has adapted to using his only functioning leg to steer his wheelchair smoothly as he fetches the ball. The most impressive bit is that he doesn’t hesitate when the ball is thrown, and neither does he let his missing legs slow him down. And his joy when fetching? Absolutely contagious. You can clearly tell that he puts his whole heart into this game. 

There’s also something inspiring about how he proudly races back to his owner with the ball in his mouth, ready for the next round of fun. It’s pretty evident that nothing matters to Henry more than choosing joy after joy. 

Henry Is A Survivor — And Still Needs Your Help

Henry has been through alot in his short life. After the initial amputation, his woes later deepened when he was diagnosed with IVDD in his back legs. This devastating condition left him paralyzed and ultimately turned him into a wheelchair user. 

Henry’s misfortunes don’t end here, though. About five months ago, he accidentally lost his balance and slipped down his ramp while going outside for a potty break. Unfortunately, his back legs took the hardest hit from this painful fall. Sweet Henry requires continued medical support to at least regain mobility in his back legs. His loving family is now trying to raise funds for his care so they can give him the quality of life he deserves. If you wish to donate towards Henry’s recovery, here’s his GoFundMe page. 

It’s often inspiring to see special needs dogs adapt to their challenges by finding new ways to move around, play, and enjoy life to the fullest. This is the kind of resilient spirit that was on full display at a recent dog race event organized by Vintage Pet Rescue, a home for seniors and special needs dogs. The annual event, dubbed “A Special Day for Special Dogs,” was aimed at honoring & celebrating these incredible furry souls for their resilience and amazing personalities. (Watch Video Below)

What made this race event even more beautiful to witness was that it wasn’t a serious competition in any way. Each dog was free to participate in their own cute way, at their own pace, and still win a medal. A heartwarming TikTok video capturing the event’s best moments is melting hearts online, and we have no doubt you’ll get serious heart eyes while watching it. 

@artandarchives 🐾a special day for speical dogs @Vintage Pet Rescue #seniordogsoftiktok #cute #rescuedog #racing #handicap ♬ logged in for hours – alyzea

No Rules or Timers, Just Pure Fun  

The race took place on a perfectly leveled open field to allow the dogs to move safely and freely. Different categories of special needs dogs participated in the race. There were blind dogs, dogs in wheelchairs, tripods & two-legged dogs, and lastly seniors over 17 years old. The field was also packed with people from the community cheering on the dogs.  

After watching this lovely clip, we have to admit: there wasn’t a single dog who didn’t bring their A-game….or at least try to. 

From the video, you can see some of the pups in wheelchairs running across the field at an impressive speed as though warming up for the Olympics. One particular wheelchair pup, Bunnie, instantly turned into a crowd favorite for taking her sweet time to reach the finish line. Clearly, the only thing Bunnie cared about was making sure her tail wagged with the intensity of a winner with every step.

Everyone watched in awe as the tripods moved forward with pure confidence. Some were pretty fast, others slow, but none of them, not even the two-legged pups, gave up. The senior dogs, too, stole the show with their determination to make it to the finish line. 

People also couldn’t stop smiling when the blind dogs stepped forward. Some of these sweet pups turned the field into a sniffing zone, and it’s honestly impossible to watch without chuckling a little. At the end of the day, every single one of these dogs was applauded for exactly what they are: resilient, joyful, and worthy of love. 

Please Give Special Needs Dogs a Chance

This lovely event was a beautiful reminder that there’s more to a disabled dog than what they lack physically. Just like abled dogs, pups with special needs can make incredible companions if given a chance.

Anyone who owns a special needs dog will tell you that these pups are full of love and positive vibes. If you’ve been wanting to adopt one, this sweet Yellow Lab is desperately waiting for a home. You can also consider adopting this adorable double merle puppy found dumped on the highway. 

Honey recently stole hearts online after she was captured on video driving a herd of goats like a pro. While Honey may be missing one front leg, her herding skills are exceptional in every sense of this word. We’re not even kidding; watching her in action will make you realize that perfection is indeed overrated. (Watch the Clip Below)

@whatshoneydewing Honey finds her calling as a cattle dog #fyp #dogsofttiktok #tripoddog #puppytiktok #farmdog ♬ original sound – Memor.E.layne

Disability Isn’t Inability for Honey

The video, posted by Honey’s owner @whatshoneydewing, shows this tripod beauty driving the goats into the barn with so much confidence and focus. And her speed? Too impressive for a three-legged dog.

It’s as though these goats know that Honey means business because as soon as she begins running to direct them to the barn, they cooperate without hesitation. Seeing Honey dart from side to side to ensure the goats have no chance of escaping can make anyone conclude that she was born to be a herding dog. 

What makes this video even more amazing to watch is how she maintains her balance as she runs at top speed. Honey also seems to be enjoying her job, and honestly, we’d be lying if we said her energy isn’t contagious. All in all, we’re amazed that Honey isn’t fazed by her missing leg. She knows how to tap into her intelligence, sharp instincts, and determination to be the best herding dog her owner could ever ask for. 

Love Three-legged Dogs? Adopt One Today 

We can’t emphasize enough how emotionally rewarding it is to open your heart & home to a three-legged dog. With a tripod pup by your side, you’ll have a constant source of inspiration on how to live life to your fullest potential, regardless of the challenges. Plus, watching them thrive under your care will change you in the best ways.

Searching for a three-legged dog to adopt? Well, Toby the three-legged Toy Poodle is waiting for you to give him a chance. To learn more about tripod dogs, check out our detailed guide on everything you need to know about three-legged dogs. 

Sweet Nena was dumped at the shelter a few days before Christmas. She had spent all her years showing her family unconditional love and loyalty, only for them to toss her aside at her lowest point in life. And the thing is, Nena wasn’t asking for much. All she wanted was a family that would still stick beside her when she was no longer “easy” to care for. Instead, she got betrayal. (Watch the video below)

@celinetails Everybody meet our new hospice foster Nena🤍 she came to us after her family dumped her at the shelter right before Christmas. At 14 years old dumped like she was nothing…it absolutely broke my heart so I knew we had to rescue her to give her her last months in love and dignity🥹 #fosterdog #akita #rescuedog ♬ Our Love Was Beautiful – Instrumental Version – Straight White Teeth

Neglected For Too Long

What’s more heartbreaking about Nena’s story is the poor state she was in when she arrived at the shelter. Besides being painfully matted, Nena was suffering from severe ear infections and a horrible flea infestation that left her with almost no hair on her back. It was obvious her family had stopped being bothered about her health & well-being long ago.

Everyone at the shelter could tell that Nena felt deeply broken and confused when she found herself all alone in a cold kennel. Though Nena couldn’t understand why her family left her behind, her heart never stopped craving for someone to love her in her final chapter of life.

Thankfully, Nena didn’t stay at the shelter for long because her story reached TikTok user @celinetails, who was too moved to ignore her plight. @celinetails reached out to the shelter and offered to give sweet Nena a home for the remaining time she had left. 

From Forgotten to Cherished

Thanks to @celinetails, Nena ushered in the new year in a home where she feels deeply safe and loved. So far, she’s received a thorough grooming session and veterinary care for her prolonged health issues. Nena is in much better shape today compared to how she was when @celinetails  first took her in; you’d almost mistake her for a completely different dog. 

Nena now wakes up to nourishing meals, a soft bed to rest her frail bones, slow walks, and above all, a family that shows her every day that she’s worthy of love, warmth, and dignity as she nears the end of life.

While Nena may not have much time left, it’s comforting to know that her last memories won’t be of her being dumped at the shelter. She’ll leave this world with a grateful heart, knowing she received the greatest gift anyone can offer to a hospice dog: love. 

@trueandfaithful They left him suffering, but we refused to walk away🥺💔.. Rafta was dumped at the shelter with a 2.9-pound mass and barely able to walk. His owners didn’t care. But we did. We rushed him into surgery, spent over $6,000, and gave him the chance they never did. Now, he’s recovering at our sanctuary safe, pain free, and surrounded by love. We still need to raise $2,604.88 to cover his life saving care. Will you help us finish what we started🙏🥺 🔗Link in Bio to Donate❤️ #rescuedog #shelter #senior #dog #shihtzu ♬ Rivers and Roads – The Head And The Heart

When questioned, his former owners coldly suggested euthanasia, as if his life held no worth. But just when Rafta’s story seemed destined for a tragic end, True & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission (TFPRM) stepped in and gave him a second chance. 

Lifesaving Surgery

Once Rafta was in their care, the South Florida-based TFRPM discovered the shocking extent of his condition—a massive 15 cm perineal hernia that would require a complex, 3+ hour surgery to repair. He also suffered from severe grade 4 dental disease, making his situation even more dire.

But the rescue didn’t hesitate. Despite the steep cost of over $6,000, they moved quickly to get Rafta the life-saving medical care he desperately needed. The surgery was a success, and for the first time in a long time, this brave senior dog was finally free from pain.

Rafta is now recovering at the rescue’s sanctuary, surrounded by comfort, kindness, and the love he was once cruelly denied.

Be Part of Rafta’s Healing Journey

The rescue turned to their incredible community of supporters on social media to help cover the cost of Rafta’s lifesaving care—and thankfully, many stepped up. But Rafta still needs around $2,600 to fully fund his treatment and aftercare. 

If you can, make a contribution here. Every dollar makes a difference, and any donation—big or small—helps not just Rafta, but other senior dogs counting on this rescue for a second chance.

Rafta may have been discarded by those who should’ve protected him, but he’s now surrounded by people who see his worth and are committed to giving him the gentle, love-filled life he’s always deserved. That love is echoed by countless TikTok users following his journey, with one commenter writing: “Look at Rafta!!! 🥰 Thank you, TFPRM, for everything you do for these little guys!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”

Meanwhile, pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka also expresses his support for Rafta, saying, “Rafta’s story breaks your heart—but it also shows the incredible power of rescue. Dogs like Rafta aren’t broken—they’re just waiting for someone to believe in them.”

Candy — as she’s now called — is a three-legged puppy who’s endured a lot at her young age. Although her story begins in the most unexpected place  — a jungle — it ends with her being in the safest, loving environment, all thanks to the rescue team at Happy Doggo, Thailand’s largest rescue for stray animals. Niall Harbison — Happy Doggo’s founder — and his team had received reports about Candy for some time, but efforts to trace her proved futile for the different times they tried. (Watch Video Below)

But after what felt like an eternity, they eventually managed to locate her, and the scene that would unfold before their eyes would shatter their hearts.  

@happydoggoniall

This tiny little puppy has been hiding in the jungle but she had even smaller chances of surviving than other stray puppies here in Thailand. She only has 3 legs. We’d heard about her for a little while but it was only today that we were finally able to catch her. It took Niall, Sybille and Jewells and 2 locals construction workers to pin her in under some sheet metal and pull her out. She was terrified and didn’t come easily at all but once she did she quickly gave in and knew she was safe. She’s much much smaller than the other dogs in the area as she has not been getting to the food because of her disability. In terms of what happened to the leg we have a strong feeling she got injured when smaller and she’s eaten the flesh off herself. The wound is clean now and not a danger but we’ll be getting her the full treatment. It’s hard to fathom what she has been through out here alone. It’s hard enough to get a home for any street dog let alone one with just 3 legs but there was never a doubt about taking her in. I called her Candy because she is a sweet little gentle and sensitive soul. We’ll make sure she is well looked after and starts bulking up. You’re safe now little Candy. ❤️ #streetdogs #dogrescue #rescuedog

♬ Halo – Beyoncé

From Fear to Trust 

Hiding all alone in an old, almost-falling-apart structure inside the jungle was Candy, whose underweight appearance screamed of prolonged hardship. Her lonely, skinny state struck her rescuers to the core. It was evident that she had a hard time fending for herself as a three-legged dog, which made her lose so much weight.

Seeing people around her made Candy hide in terror, a sign of her deep-seated mistrust of humans. The hardest part came when it was time to catch. It was no easy task, but Niall and his team persisted in coaxing her gently out of her hiding.

Thankfully, Niall was able to scoop her up and cradle her into his arms, reassuring her that she was now safe. It was as though Candy sensed her rescuers had good intentions because she settled into Niall’s arms with ease, ready to accept all the help extended to her. 

The Start of A New Chapter

Besides being overweight, Candy was also found to be anemic due to the massive tick infestation on her ears. Luckily for her, the team at Happy Doggo will ensure that all her medical needs are addressed. They’ll also make it their mission to shower her with all the love and care she needs to blossom into a joyful puppy with an enviable zest for life.

She has warmed up to her rescuers, and it’s clear that there’s nowhere else she’d prefer to be than in the safe, nurturing environment at Happy Doggo. Candy is no longer a symbol of defeat and despair, but a symbol of second chances, something every stray dog deserves to experience. 

Even after she built a new life in Canada with her partner, Sean, Manolo remained her loyal best friend. So when his health began to decline, Coeli made the heartbreaking decision to let him go, but not before giving him the farewell he deserved.

@chellyshoots Didn’t know what to expect from putting up a sign about my dog’s last day on a park bench but I’m so grateful we did it. I have never planned how I would spend the last day I had with my childhood dog but when he got really sick, I always knew that the one thing I’d miss is: sharing the joy he gave me, with others. This was such a perfect way to celebrate the life of a dog who truly loved spending time with people & their dogs. Run free & fast forever, Manolo. I will never stop missing you🤎 Thank you @healthybud @Crumps Naturals @TheTiltedBarnPetCompany ♬ original sound – chellyshoots

A Heartfelt Farewell at Manolo’s Favorite Park

On October 2, the day they knew would be Manolo’s last, his parents brought him to his favorite place — the park. They carried a simple sign that read, “It’s our dog’s last day. Give us some advice and him a treat (we brought lots).”

Some people walked by quietly, while others offered a soft “sorry.” But the ones who stopped made all the difference. They met Manolo and his kids, gave him treats and gentle pets, shared their own stories of losing a beloved pet, and reminded his parents that he’d have plenty of furry friends waiting for him in heaven.

Coeli later posted the moment on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, earning over 4 million views and 850K likes. She shared that the kindness of strangers helped make the heartbreaking goodbye to her soul dog just a little easier. 

A user called Rach commented on the video, saying, “His last day was filled with nothing but endless love 😭😭😭😭 IM BAWLING MY EYES OUT”.

Making the Kindest but Hardest Decision

Manolo had been living a happy, comfortable life in Canada with his two loving parents, who brought him over from the Philippines in 2022. But everything changed in February 2025 when the senior Shih Tzu’s health suddenly took a frightening turn. One night, he woke Coeli and her partner with heartbreaking screams. Though he eventually calmed down, the episodes soon became a regular occurrence.

After vet visits, X-rays, and bloodwork, the couple received news no pet parent wants to hear: Manolo was in the early stages of canine dementia. They were devastated, but determined to help him. They started him on dementia supplements, along with treatments for arthritis, hoping to slow the decline.

But despite their efforts, Manolo’s condition worsened. He lost both his vision and hearing, and later developed degenerative myelopathy — a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord and often takes away a dog’s ability to walk.

After months of watching their sweet boy struggle and trying every option available, Coeli and Sean made the heartbreaking decision to let him go peacefully. It wasn’t easy, but they knew it was the kindest choice for Manolo’s quality of life.

In his final week, they made sure he felt nothing but love. They took him to meet friends, introduced him to new people, and spoiled him with all his favorite treats. And in those moments, they could tell, Manolo finally seemed calm, cherished, and ready to rest.

Pet rescue advocate and YouTuber Rocky Kanaka remarks, “When a dog has given you years of unwavering love, the kindest farewell becomes one of honour. Manolo reminds us that every pet deserves their final walk to be filled with joy and dignity.”

The loyal pup refused to leave his side, nudging his chest until Ford realized he was the one in trouble. His heart was racing, his blood pressure plummeting, and thanks to Tommy’s instincts, he made it to the hospital in time.

The Night Tommy Became a True Hero

Late one night, Ford awoke to his usually calm dog acting frantically at his side, according to WCNC News. “It was like he was panicking,” Ford recalls. Thinking Tommy needed to go outside, he opened the door, but the Lab wouldn’t budge. Instead, he stayed glued to Ford, jumping up to nudge his chest again and again.

That’s when Ford realized something was wrong, not with Tommy, but with himself. His heart was racing, his chest fluttering, and his blood pressure had dropped dangerously low. 

He rushed to the hospital, where doctors told him he was experiencing a severe AFib episode, one that could’ve caused a massive stroke if Tommy hadn’t woken him. The amazing part? Tommy wasn’t even trained to detect heart issues.

After recovering, Ford immediately called Bernard to share how the Lab saved his life. “He’s my hero,” he stated. Bernard couldn’t agree more. She hopes Ford and Tommy’s story encourages other veterans to consider a service dog, especially those who quietly struggle with PTSD and don’t believe they’re “worthy” of the help.

The Beginning of a Lifelong Bond

For years, Ford had shared his life with a pack of hunting dogs, so he decided to wait until they passed before welcoming a service animal into his home. When the time finally felt right, he reached out to Dogs Inc., a Palmetto, Florida–based nonprofit that trains and places service dogs with people across the country.

After a phone interview and a series of online classes, Ford met Amy Bernard, the organization’s service dog program manager, who traveled to his home in Fort Lupton, Colorado, to better understand his needs. 

Then, in September 2023, came the perfect match: a gentle Labrador Retriever named Tommy. When Amy introduced the two, Ford felt an instant connection. They began training together, which is when their bond deepened. “I tell people that Tommy was training me. He knew what to do,” Ford says. 

During a six-day training session, Amy Bernard worked closely with Ford and Tommy, guiding them through situations that once triggered Ford’s PTSD. Together, they visited places he had long avoided, learning how to rely on each other for comfort and courage. What started as cautious steps soon turned into a deep bond built on trust.

“They were an awesome match,” Bernard recalls. “They just kind of fell in together really nicely, bonded really quickly, and it was a great placement.”

When the training ended and Amy headed home, Ford and Tommy kept practicing on their own. For the first 90 days, they were rarely apart, staying leashed together except when Ford was cooking or showering. Each day strengthened their connection, transforming them from strangers into inseparable partners.

A Tragic Beginning

From the moment Deuce was born, Penny, his mother, displayed the protective instincts typical of new canine moms. While it’s a natural behavior for mother dogs to tenderly lick and clean their newborns, a particularly aggressive cleaning session led to an unfortunate accident. Penny, possibly overwhelmed in her maternal zeal, inadvertently injured two of Deuce’s legs, marking the beginning of his challenging journey.

A Lifesaving Decision

When Jen realized the extent of Deuce’s injuries, she rushed him to emergency care. The initial prognosis was grim, with vets suggesting that the legs couldn’t be saved. However, one vet offered a ray of hope with a thought-provoking question: “How do you feel about a dog with two legs?” Jen’s decision to amputate Deuce’s injured legs gave him a new lease on life.

Deuce’s Remarkable Recovery

Though the road to recovery was steep, Deuce’s spirit was indomitable. With one front and one back leg, he began taking his first steps by the time he was a month old, surprising and inspiring everyone around him. His doctors said his recovery was remarkable!

Spreading Joy Everywhere

Deuce’s unique appearance often surprises people, but his radiant personality shines through. Unlike many Shar Peis, who can be reserved, Deuce has a penchant for greeting everyone with enthusiasm. His love for interaction is so profound that he often leans on strangers for support, leading to heartwarming and sometimes humorous encounters.

Adventurous At Heart

Despite his physical challenges, Deuce is nothing short of an adventurer. From the majestic Mount Rushmore to the scenic Pikes Peak, he’s traveled far and wide, proving that limitations are only in the mind. His owner, Jen, who faces her own mobility challenges, finds solace and inspiration in Deuce’s relentless spirit.

More Than Just a Dog

Rocky Kanaka, an animal advocate who brought Deuce’s story to light, sums it up beautifully, “Deuce may not have four legs, but his heart is as big as any other dog’s. His ability to love and bring joy is boundless.” Deuce’s journey is a beacon of hope, showing that with love and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome.