Abandoned Puppy Finally Finds Forever Home

ENCINITAS, CA – A dog found by the side of a freeway in Mexico and treated for having one leg shorter than the others has found his forever home, according to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

Orson underwent surgery for his condition after being brought to the Encinitas-based humane society by representatives of Friends of County Animal Shelters about four months ago. Donations paid for the procedure for the pup, who was adopted once previously but returned. He's also participated in pool therapy.

"We received dozens of applications from families who wanted to adopt Orson," said Kathy Zerkle, Rancho Coastal Humane Society's vice president of adoption services.

"Some of them have adopted other dogs," Zerkle said. "Others changed their minds. Interestingly enough, it's Orson's foster care provider who had applied right away and will be giving him a forever home."

While Orson’s surgery was a success, there will be some longterm effects, Zerkle said.

"He’s able to use the leg, but because of the damage before the surgery, Orson will have a slight limp," she explained. "His family will need to be watchful for arthritis. Even with these minor issues, Orson’s life is so much better. The pain is gone."

City News Service contributed to this report.

Photos via Rancho Coastal Humane Society