2-Legged Shih Tzu-Yorkie Mix Won't Let Anything Keep Her Away From Her Blanket
It's hard to see a dog missing a leg and not be left in awe at its resilience and determination to do what a four-legged dog can do. They don't seem to be embarrassed or frustrated about their condition the way a human might; they just do their best to adjust and live their lives to the fullest. Noel serves as a prime example. This shih tzu-Yorkie mix broke both of her front legs in 2017 and had to have them amputated. She uses a wheeled cart outside, but inside, she does a pretty good job getting around using only her hind legs and chest. Her owner recorded her hopping up a couple steps and into her bed on the sofa to access one of her favorite things: her blanket.
@noelthebipawdshorkie Where there's a blanket, there's Noel. #twoleggeddog #dogsoftiktok #dog #cute #littledog
"Where there's a blanket, there's Noel," the TikTok caption reads. The clip has received more than 3,000 comments and 684,000 likes, with many "my Shayla" comments peppered in. Some viewers compare her to a kangaroo and a caterpillar, admiring her core strength and overall cuteness. Others shared pics of their own two- and one-legged dogs. On Instagram, viewers complimented her owner for giving her a second chance at life.
Noel was originally a foster, but her human fell in love with her and decided to keep her. After making a full post-surgery recovery, she managed to be tough enough and fast enough to play with her much larger canine sibling, Lily. They played together for years until Lily sadly crossed the rainbow bridge in April of 2024 from oral cancer.
Caring for a 2-legged dog
Noel captivates hearts with more than her two-legged body; her round, fluffy face and lively personality also make her irresistibly adorable. But caring for a dog that's missing one or more legs can be challenging, especially for large breeds. So if you plan to adopt a three-legged dog, a two-legged one like Noel, or even a one-legged dog, the most important thing to keep in mind is that these dogs can and do live long, fulfilled lives — but only with the love and patience of their owners.
Expect to make some adjustments around your home to make mobility easier and safer for your pup, such as adding rugs for more traction. Like Noel's owner, you may also want to purchase a cart and steps or a ramp. Although they're among the more expensive options, some owners purchase prosthetics for their pups. You should also keep your dog at a healthy weight and ensure it gets exercise daily, keeping in mind that it may tire more quickly than a four-legged dog.
Dogs like Noel are just as deserving of love and life as any other. They just need the right people in their lives who are willing to meet their needs and give them plenty of TLC... and their own blanket.
Interested in more stories about former foster dogs? Check out the one about the foster mom who realized her rescue dog understands Spanish, or the dog that was rescued by a woman at a gas station and was destined to be with her.