After meeting Skipper, you’ll probably say: Now, I’ve seen it all.
I’ve come across plenty of unusual dogs before; pups with tails in unexpected places, pups with extra ears, and others with quirky features.
But six legs? That’s something else entirely.
When Skipper, the Aussie-Border Collie mix, entered the world, experts thought they’d face a lot of complications with this tiny pup.
Still, they weren’t prepared for the way Skipper would surprise them.
The most extraordinary puppy alive turned out to be completely fine and healthy, just with some extra parts to love, and missing only a forever human of her own.
A Puppy Unlike Any Other
The team at Neel Veterinary Hospital, in Oklahoma City will never forget the day Skipper was born. Unlike her eight siblings from the same litter, Skipper looked very different.
She was unique from her very first breath.
Sadly, her mother rejected her because animals often push away babies they sense are different.
But that didn’t stop Skipper, or Miracle as she was sometimes called, from proving she was determined to overcome everything, even at just a few days old.
The staff at Neel Veterinary shared on social media that Skipper was the first pup known to be born alive with these conditions:
“She has a type of congenital conjoining disorders called monocephalus dipygus and monocephalus rachipagus dibrachius tetrapus which simply means she has 1 head and chest cavity but 2 pelvic regions, 2 lower urinary tracts, 2 reproductive systems, 2 tails and 6 legs among other things. It is likely that she was going to have a litter mate but they did not separate in utero. She also has signs of spina bifida along her spine.”
After examinations, vets confirmed that despite her rare condition, Skipper was healthy. She wasn’t in pain and showed no discomfort at all.
Skipper behaved like any other pup, no matter how unbelievable that sounded.
“She acts like a strong healthy puppy so we want to give her the chance,” dr. Neel said. “It makes me really happy because she’s so strong! She’s kind of like the underdog, you know. You’re rooting for her.”
Specialists believed Skipper’s unusual body developed because two embryos didn’t fully separate in the womb. She wasn’t a conjoined twin, but a single pup with double features.
Even more surprising, all six of her legs worked.
When news of Skipper spread online, many people quickly shared their opinions. Some cruelly suggested that she shouldn’t live, or that the hospital should end her life.
But one man stepped forward to prove them wrong and welcomed Skipper into his home, despite her many diagnoses and unusual appearance.
Skipper’s Story
Skipper, the most remarkable pup Oklahoma City had ever seen, did find a family, even though her mother rejected her.
She was adopted by two loving owners, a couple experienced in caring for dogs with medical conditions. Skipper’s Journey was shared regularly on social media, keeping everyone updated on how the little star was doing.
After about a month of settling in and learning how to be a puppy, Skipper was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. On top of her existing conditions, she now needed regular checkups and CT scans. She also had difficulty drinking puppy formula because much of it ended up in her lungs.
Skipper spent many days at Neel Animal Hospital receiving treatments for her various challenges. Although people hoped she would stay strong, her health proved too fragile.
Her devoted family worked hard to raise money for her care and gave her the warmest home she could have wished for. They poured their hearts into making her short life full of love.
Nearly eight months after her birth, Skipper passed away. Her multiple diagnoses were ultimately too much for her tiny body to handle.
“We are so grateful for all of you who have supported us through this and helped us to give her the best life! She will forever be in our hearts.” Skipper’s owners shared on the morning she crossed the rainbow bridge.
Skipper proved to everyone who doubted her just how wrong they were.
She really did show them all.
Rest in peace, sweet Skipper. I know you’re finally running free across green meadows, surrounded by the other pups who welcomed you the way you always deserved.