by Anna Holton-Dean
Photos courtesy of Tonya Mason
Tonya and Steve Mason were not looking for a new pet when a special-needs rescue found his way into their lives.
Their daughter Abby had recently attended an adoption event for Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue after more than 300 dogs were rescued from a bad breeder. When Abby learned the Goldendoodle she hoped to adopt had already found a family, the rescue took her information in case another dog became available.
Less than 24 hours later, Abby received a call saying they had another Doodle, and she could meet the foster mom to pick him up. “We all loaded up and met the foster mom right away to pick up the dog who had been rescued from the breeder,” Tonya recalls. “We were told that his paw was broken, but that it didn’t seem to bother him. However, once we brought him home and placed him in the yard, it was clear something was very wrong — he could barely walk. We immediately contacted Paws and Claws, who advised us to take him to the Catoosa Animal Hospital.”
The vet examined him and delivered devastating news: the dog’s leg needed to be amputated. The Doodle had to stay overnight for evaluation, and the diagnosis was confirmed. He received his amputation and neuter surgery all at once.
“He was so small, scared and confused. It broke our hearts to leave this poor little fella there,” Tonya says. “When we picked him up after surgery, it was incredibly emotional. He looked exhausted, disoriented and frightened. I remember my daughter crying when she saw him.”
The Masons brought the 8-month-old pup home to begin healing, but he still didn’t have a name. “Tippy” was the perfect fit since the little tripod would often tip over as he learned to balance on three legs.
Within a few weeks, Tippy was no longer a foster but family. “We officially adopted him, knowing he had already taught us far more about resilience, love and courage than we ever expected,” Tonya says.
Following a life of neglect, Tippy’s first day with the family included leg amputation and neuter surgery. They anticipated a difficult recovery period, yet Tippy never once complained.
“We were stunned when he stood up and walked almost immediately after we brought him home,” Tonya says. “Even knowing he must have been in tremendous pain, Tippy pressed on with quiet strength. Our hearts ached for him, but his resilience amazed us. After spending the first eight months of his life with four legs, he patiently learned how to walk — and then run — on three, proving just how determined he truly was.”
Tippy runs and walks differently than other dogs — and requires assistance getting on and off the couch since he can’t jump — but it doesn’t slow him down or dampen his spirit.
“His back leg swings out to the side when he runs, and he looks like a little low rider. It is so cute!” Tonya says.
“He can almost keep up with all his cousins, and even when he loses his balance, he pops right back up. Nothing keeps him down.”
Apart from missing a leg, Tippy is just like other dogs with the typical quirks, cute habits, likes and dislikes. He loves fetch, chase and morning naps, of course.
“He loves when we get home and almost jumps in our arms,” Tonya says. “He loves putting his ball under the couch and then barks until you retrieve it (he can be a micromanager). He loves going places but hates car rides. He is always so excited to go but seems anxious in the car unless he is sitting on the driver’s lap.”
He also hates the vet, understandably. “He does have a good reason to hate the vet,” Tonya adds. “He was traumatized, so now when we pull up to the vet his little body shakes uncontrollably. He gets the cats in every night at the same time and makes sure they are safe in the garage and fed. If he won’t come in, all you have to say is, ‘Tippy, let’s get a treat,’ and he comes sprinting.”
While the Masons will never know the extent of Tippy’s neglect, they rest in the fact that he never has to worry about mistreatment again. “We just love Tippy and are so smitten,” Tonya says. “He brings so much joy to our family. We never thought we would have a dog with three legs, let alone a Poodle, but God brought us together. He is our miracle. He knew we needed each other, especially after losing our sweet Lewie who blessed us for 12 years.”
The family hopes Tippy’s story can inspire others to consider special-needs pets.
“A special-needs dog can show us how strong we can be when we face tough times or have things that make us different,” Tonya says. “You can become a dog’s hero by adopting them. In the end, they will end up blessing you more.”
If Tippy could speak, he would tell you he is now living his best life and that strength often comes from imperfections, Tonya says. “He would also tell you he loves people, food, treats and his family.”
