Birth Defect Stops Adopters from Rescuing this Sweet Dog

In Marbella, southern Spain, a tale of resilience and determination unfolds at the Asociación de Amigos de Animales Abandonados, better known as the “Triple A” shelter. Here, a remarkable canine named Ace captured the attention of Elise Dunweber, the shelter’s president, and the community, after being discovered abandoned in a field with severely deformed legs.

When Ace first arrived at the shelter in May 2022, he faced the daunting challenge of walking with legs that were curled in front of him, a condition suspected to be a result of a birth defect rather than abuse. Undeterred by his physical limitations, the shelter embarked on a mission to transform Ace’s life. With multiple surgeries at a special trauma hospital and a lengthy recovery process later, Ace defied the odds and can now walk and even run reasonably well.

Despite his incredible journey and successful rehabilitation, Ace is still in search of a forever home. Elise Dunweber expressed her concern that Ace’s unique appearance might be deterring potential adopters. However, she attests to Ace’s sweet nature and his ability to adapt well to shelter life.

The challenge lies in the limited time prospective adopters spend interacting with shelter dogs. A study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science revealed that these interactions typically last only eight minutes, making it difficult for dogs like Ace, who have overcome significant obstacles, to make a lasting impression.

Dunweber hopes that someone will see past Ace’s imperfections and recognize the extraordinary resilience he has displayed. “Ace is a very sweet dog with a lovely nature,” she emphasized, highlighting his love for play and interaction with other dogs. Though Ace may not be the perfect fit for everyone, Dunweber is confident that an understanding home awaits him—one that can provide the love and care that every dog deserves. As Ace continues to thrive in the shelter, the search for his forever home continues.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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