When Lou received a phone call about a baby Boxer born without front legs who needed a family, she didn’t hesitate.
Dropping everything, she set out to bring the little pup home.
Her husband, Mark, wasn’t entirely sure where she was going, but the moment he held the puppy in his arms, he knew they had to give him all the love and support he deserved.
And just like that, Nubby became part of their family.
The Beginning Wasn’t Easy
The first night with Nubby wasn’t what Lou and Mark had anticipated.
“Our first night with Nubby was horrible,” Mark shared with The Dodo. “We got up every hour. You know, we took turns. I had twins, so I’m used to taking one shift.”
Nubby faced health complications early on, and at one point, he had to be rushed to the ICU.
But this determined little pup pulled through, showing that he was a fighter from the start.
Once Nubby was back home, Lou and Mark dedicated themselves to making his life as comfortable and joyful as possible.
“We built a LEGO wheelchair, and he just took off, scooting across the floor,” Mark said.
Thriving Against the Odds
Despite his disability, Nubby’s zest for life was unmatched.
From the very beginning, he was an active and adventurous puppy, crawling and hopping around with boundless energy.
Inspired by his resilience, Lou and Mark turned exercise into a game to strengthen his back legs.
Over time, Nubby learned to stand and eventually mastered jumping!
“Nubby figured out that he could launch himself and jump. It’s as if he doesn’t even realize he’s missing anything,” the couple shared.
Although they tried various wheelchairs to make mobility easier for him, Nubby wasn’t a fan.
However, with positive reinforcement and playtime after his wheelchair sessions, he learned to tolerate it for short strolls.
The Best Big Brother
As Nubby grew, he thrived in a home filled with love and other furry companions.
One of those companions was a pregnant stray mama dog that Lou and Mark had rescued.
When she gave birth to six puppies, Nubby became the happiest pup in Texas!
Nubby adored the litter.
Not only was he a fun and energetic older sibling, but he also showed incredible care, always ensuring the puppies were safe.
Spreading Joy and Hope
For Lou and Mark, Nubby’s story is about more than overcoming physical challenges—it’s about living life to the fullest.
“It doesn’t matter how many legs he has or where he is; he’s just happy,” they said. “Just because you have a limb difference, or are different in any way, doesn’t mean you don’t have a quality life. He teaches that every single day. He doesn’t give up… He gives hope to a lot of people.”
A Life Well Lived
Today, Nubby continues to inspire everyone he meets.
Whether he’s playing with puppies, enjoying the beach, or just spreading joy with his happy spirit, he’s living his best life.
And thanks to his love and guidance, the adorable litter he helped foster will undoubtedly grow up to be strong, happy pups, ready to find families of their own—just like Nubby did.