This is the sixth in a series of stories written by young people. Writing encourages children to explore their relationships with pets and works to strengthen the human-animal bond. After all, today’s youth are tomorrow’s pet owners.

Stories have not been edited for spelling or grammar. Each story belongs wholly to its author.

Title: The Dutchess

Author: Catherine, age 11

“Woof Woof” goes Dutchess. She is a dutch shepard with three legs. Why does she have three legs?

Let me tell you.

It all started with her other owners. At their house Dutchess had four legs and was happy. When the owners were not paying attention to Dutchess… “Bang!” She got ran over by a car. The owners took her to the vet and decided they didn’t want Dutchess anymore.

The owners never claimed Dutchess and the vet took her to the animal shelter. My mom saw a dog online. It was Dutchess! So my family and I went to the animal shelter and we took Dutchess outside. Also my family and I played with her!

We took the three legged Dutchess home, and now she is happy and safe.

Catherine and Dutchess

***

Catherine’s mom says Dutchess is about eight-years-old and shows no sign of slowing down. “She’s fine. It’s like she doesn’t miss her other leg. She can still run very fast when she wants to. And she loves walks when it’s not hot outside.” 

Shelters often find it hard to find homes for large dogs–and it’s especially hard to find homes for special needs dogs, like Dutchess. So, a special thank you to Catherine and family for giving Dutchess the loving home that this beautiful and brave dog deserves.