Dogs with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome have immense trouble holding up their heads and using their legs, but a Boston Terrier suffering from the condition has learned to run.
Mick was born to an Oklahoma breeder, who noticed the puppy laid flat on his stomach with his legs splayed out, ABC 13 reported.
Most puppies with the syndrome don't live very long; they usually come down with pneumonia or are euthanized. Instead of putting this special pup to sleep his breeder gave him to the Mia Foundation, which rescues puppies set to be euthanized.
The organization has also worked with puppies suffering from cleft palates, clef lips, and missing limbs.
Ninety percent of all animals born with birth defects are euthanized at birth," Sue Rogers, the organization founder, said. "They are a lot of work and sometimes they are very expensive, so sometimes people think it's just easier to put them down."
Mick was the first dog the Mia Foundation had seen with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome, a condition characterized by an underdeveloped sternum and chest.
"When he first came, I didn't know if there was anything I could do for this puppy, but he proved me wrong," Rogers said.
After some research and veterinary consultations, Rogers started Mick on several types of therapy.
The caretakers used cut up soda can "coozies" to help flatten out the puppy's ribcage. They also used water therapy to strengthen Mick's legs.
Six hours of therapy paid off for the little guy, two weeks later he was able to walk.
"[This can happen] with the right therapy, the time and the commitment--- and Mick was a pretty determined puppy too," Rogers said. "[These puppies] deserve that chance."
Members of the Mia Foundation took a video of the resilient puppy, and it quickly went viral.
"I think [Mick's story] was very inspirational," Rogers said. "I mean here was a little dog that pretty much had no hope, but with a little time, a little work and lots of love, he showed the world that good things happen."
Mick will remain at the foundation for a few more weeks, and then will most likely find a permanent home.
The Mia Foundation is named after Roger's Chihuahua, who died last year after struggling with a cleft palate. The organization is located in Rochester N.Y.
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