Bullying can be a rough and damaging experience, especially when you’re a kid. During a time when you’re still trying to figure everything out for yourself, it doesn’t help when you have to worry about being made fun of at school by other kids, too. You feel like the odd one out, mostly left on your own island with no one to call a friend.
That’s how Luke Salmon, aged 15, felt until he met someone who could not only empathize, but would end up being his best friend.
Here’s how Luke found and formed a bond with Roo, a dog who was different, just like him.
How Luke Found Roo, The Adorable Six-Legged Pup
Luke Salmon, from the town of Orpington, Kent in the United Kingdom, suffers from psoriasis, which is a skin condition that leaves the pores and skin coated with noticeably flaky pink patches over his body. Because of this condition, Luke felt out of place and, worse, got bullied at school.
One day, Luke noticed a certain puppy while surfing the internet. The peculiar black Labrador Retriever was born with additional front legs. In order to get around, this six-legged pup needed to hop on her paws.
After seeing this pooch online and empathizing with her condition, Luke urged his mother, Lauren Salmon, to take the pup in. She agreed to get the pup for Luke.
When Luke and his mother arrived, they found that breeders were planning to euthanize the poor dog. But Luke and his mother insisted on meeting the cute Labrador.
The pup was already trying to jump out to greet the family when they came to her pen. Once she was let loose, she jumped on them from her hind legs. Because of her need to hop around, they named her Roo and brought her home.
Roo Loves Her New Family
Roo’s new human mom, Lauren, says, “When she jumps up on us, she looks like a kangaroo, hence the name. But when she walks, she sort of staggers on her elbows with her bum in the air, like an army crawl.”
Because of this, Lauren contacted Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick, the specialist who stars in Channel 4’s The Supervet in the UK, to see if he might also help enhance Roo’s mobility when she’s out on a walk.
“It’s sad but it’s cute at the same time because she is so full of energy,” stated Lauren.
As for Luke and Roo, it was love at first sight. Lauren recalled, “Luke is like a protective father. They never leave each other’s sides, and she even sleeps in his bed. Luke feels like the odd one out because of his condition, and now he’s got a best friend to match. I think Roo will reduce Luke’s stress, and that should help his skin condition.”
And though Roo has two extra legs attached to her, they do not cause her any pain or discomfort. In fact, they only hinder her movement, which is why she hops around.
“We absolutely love Roo to pieces. She is just a normal dog to us—just with a couple of extra bits,” Lauren stated proudly.
What do you think of this six-legged pup? Are you happy that she found a kindred spirit in Luke? Let us know in the comments below!
