A puppy with deformed legs is looking for a new home after being callously abandoned.
The eleven-week-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs special care and attention as she attempts to recover from the horrifying joint “knuckling” that has ravaged her tiny body.
Since being brought to Dogs Trust a fortnight ago, the little hound has been affectionately named Wonky.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Wonky suffers from an extreme knuckling of the carpal joints
With two underdeveloped front legs and her "untraditional looks", staff are worried she may struggle to find a new owner but hope a canine lover can take her in after seeing these adorable images.
Amanda Sands, manager at Dogs Trust Leeds, said: "She's suffering from an extreme case of the condition known as knuckling of the carpal joints. This is caused by contraction of the tendons which prevents the wrist joint from extending fully. Her front feet bend inwards because her tendons are too short.
"It's such a sad case because this is completely preventable if only she'd had the right love and care.
"She has not had the right supplements to enable her to grow properly and so her front legs are too weak.
"We don't know everything about her background but we think that she was removed from her mother too early and was then abandoned. She has not had the right nutrition and a poor diet has meant her front legs are underdeveloped."
Wonky needs special care and attention to help cope with her condition
Since arriving at the centre on February 7, brave Wonky is already showing signs of improvement after receiving regular physiotherapy treatment to straighten her legs.
Amanda said: "Physiotherapy will really help to strengthen her muscles. We have to stretch her legs into a straight position 30 times twice a day. Hopefully in time her legs will begin to straighten to aid her walking.
"She will need regular trips to the specialist vet to keep a track of her progress. At the minute she is able to walk but she rests her weight on her front joints as her legs are bent.
"With the right treatment, she will hopefully be able to live a normal life and do all the things a puppy should be able to enjoy.
"At the minute, she struggles to run and can only be taken on very short walks which is very sad to see."
Staff at the centre are looking for owners who can continue her physiotherapy - with costs supplemented by Dogs Trust.
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"She is fabulous. She's very affectionate and friendly and has settled into the centre well," said Amanda.
"Her condition has not affected her character and she's just like a typical puppy - full of energy and ready to play.
"She'd make a lovely addition to a happy home with owners that can take the time to settle her in and, with a little love and care, her legs will improve and she will get a new lease of life.
"It's very important that her new owners are able to continue her physiotherapy so she can live life to the full.
"She's had a very tough start in life. She was taken from her mother too early and was then having to fend for herself on the streets at just nine-weeks old.
"She isn't a traditionally pretty pooch but she's a lovely girl with a great character.
"We really hope people can see beyond appearances and someone can give her the fresh start she deserves - a new home where she'll be loved and cared for."
If you would like to give Wonky a happy ending, call Dogs Trust Leeds on 0113 281 4920.
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