The internet has been left in tears by a dog who had to have one of her front legs amputated, but she still tries to give her owner her paw.
The black dog, named Pepper, had to have her leg amputated in 2023 due to a cancerous tumor. However, she refuses to let that get her down, as her owner, Trent, captured the sweet moment she tried to give him "her ghost paw" instead.
The clip, which was shared on TikTok (@tensy00), showed Pepper moving the muscles in her chest as though she were stretching her leg out to give paw. Since it was shared on October 11, the video has melted plenty of hearts online, leading to more than 1.5 million views and over 289,100 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. Newsweek contacted @tensy00 via Instagram for comment.
A leg amputation is something that will change a dog's life, which is why PetMD explains that they aren't recommended lightly, and usually only done as a last resort. There are three types of leg amputation, including a forelimb amputation (which Pepper had), a hind limb amputation, or a partial limp amputation.
Amputating the leg might be recommended when a dog is suffering from long-term pain, poor mobility, or if keeping the leg will decrease their quality of life. Examples that PetMD highlight include bone cancer in the leg, trauma, arthritis, infection, dislocation of the elbow joint, a birth defect, paralysis, or non-healing wounds.
While it's certainly a major life adjustment, the surgery will usually improve a dog's life thereafter because it removes the source of their pain or discomfort. Leg amputation is also considered the safest, least demanding, and most cost-effective treatment for a multitude of diseases.
Dogs with three legs are often referred to as "tripod dogs," and they will often surprise their owners with their resilience and positivity after losing a limb. Indeed, PetMD notes that tripod dogs can still enjoy long and healthy lives after surgery, and they usually don't require any specialized care after.
How Did TikTok React?
The sweet clip of Pepper has delighted internet users and left some fighting back the tears. In just a matter of days, the clip has gained more than 600 comments, as many TikTokers praised her adorable attempt to give her paw.
One TikTok user wrote: "Ohhh goodness, this made me cry. Dogs are so innocent and precious."
Another person responded: "High fiving that ghost paw [right now], beautiful girl."
"That is the cutest thing ever," added one TikToker.
While another comment reads: "Such a good girl. The best girls have ghost paws."
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