Rare 'Kangaroo' Puppies From Middle East Find Forever Home in USA

Two rare "kangaroo" puppies found their forever home in the US after being adopted from Oman.

The two-legged duo, a pair of siblings named Jack and Jill, were born without their front legs and were discovered in the port city of Duqm by the rescue charity Omani Paws.

On Monday, foster dad Adrian Dsouza, 39, posted a video on Reddit of the puppies playing with his dog Vader, which quickly garnered attention on the "Rare Puppers" subreddit. In 2020, the puppies found their forever home in the U.S. through Dog World Rescue in Washington, D.C.

"The best thing about these pups is that they do not realize that they are different. All they needed was a big yummy for their tummy, and they were all set to enjoy life," Dsouza said.

"Our other fosters (one of them a tripod) welcomed these little guys and had a blast. They never let their disability define them. Something we as humans need to learn from them," he added.

Dsouza has fostered dogs through Omani Paws for the past 10 years with his wife, Akanksha, 36. He said they have five dogs: Shibu, Vader, Deema, Loco and Timoth—all of whom were "foster fails." The couple also has three cats: Chadwick, Petunia and Lulu.

The family that adopted Jack and Jill has shared photos of the pair adapting to life with their new dog siblings and using prosthetic wheels to move around with ease.

"It made us very happy to see that they are living their best lives. They must be big doggos now," Dsouza said. "It's extremely rare to see pups born with such birth defects. In my 10 years with Omani Paws, I've never come across siblings with the same 'two-legged defect.'"

Adopting dogs with disabilities requires special considerations, but it can be incredibly rewarding, according to the Grey Muzzle Organization, which works to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs.

Prospective owners should be prepared for extra time, effort and expenses, such as mobility aids, regular vet checkups or adjustments to the home environment to ensure the dog's safety and comfort.

It's important to understand the dog's specific needs and limitations, but with patience and dedication, these dogs can live happy, fulfilling lives.

Despite their disability, Dsouza said, Jack and Jill were like any other foster puppies—playful, mischievous and full of energy.

Photos of Jack and Jill. The dogs, originally from Oman, moved across the world to the U.S. and now have wheels so they can whiz around freely. Adrian Dsouza/Adrian Dsouza

"But Jill, the girl, was naughtier and more of an 'explorer' than her brother. Keeping her contained was a challenge—in a good way. We had an absolute blast with them," he added.

Oman lacks formal animal shelters, which makes the work of local rescuers crucial, Dsouza said.

Groups such as Muscat Dog Adoption and Al Mouj Cat and Dog Rescue, run by everyday people, are doing what they can.

Jack and Jill were taken to the Azaiba branch of the Al Qurum Veterinary Clinic by Varsha, another Omani Paws volunteer, where they received care.

Dsouza said: "The clinic has been gracious in allowing us credit and discounts to help strays. Unfortunately, there's no government support for animal rescue or TNR [trap-neuter-return].

"After receiving medical care—spay, neuter, vaccinations—strays go straight into foster care. But these two needed more 'one on one' attention, so my wife and I decided to foster them."

Varsha, a close friend of the couple, is currently fostering 38 dogs.

Dsouza continued: "Finding homes for them all is easier said than done. We were lucky Jack and Jill found their forever homes, but groups like Omani Paws desperately need more support.

"Rescuers are overburdened physically, mentally, and financially. Despite the discounts and donations, vet bills always pile up. Without shelters or government aid, rescuing animals in Oman is a major commitment."

Dog lovers on Reddit were captivated by Jack and Jill's story, with one user writing, "What's empowering is that they don't know they are different."

Another added, "Big dog doing a great job of playing with them at the level the smaller puppers want—love to see it."

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