Noel has a way of making sure everyone knows what she wants. She can be wonderfully bossy, gets vocal whenever she thinks a big walk is coming, and has enough sass to keep her family entertained. She loves naps, cuddles, playing with other dogs, and being close to her favorite people. There is just one thing that makes her different: Noel has no front legs.
When Lauren first welcomed her home, Noel was already a two-legged puppy. She had spent time resting in her crate after surgery, but when she wanted to come out, she found her own way to move. Pushing herself upright on her back paws, she began walking without anyone teaching her how.
Her determination had an extraordinary beginning. Noel had arrived at an animal shelter with two badly injured front legs, likely after being hit by a car. What followed involved difficult medical decisions, a rescue organization willing to give her a chance, and a little dog who seemed to have no intention of giving up.
VIDEO: Noel’s Remarkable Journey From Injured Puppy to Fearless Family Dog
The Difficult Decision That Gave Noel Another Chance
In late November, 2017, a good Samaritan brought Noel to Kern County Animal Services in Bakersfield, California. The young puppy had two broken front legs, injuries believed to have resulted from being struck by a vehicle.
The shelter’s veterinary team initially tried to save her legs using splints. Unfortunately, during a follow-up examination, one of the fractures had become infected and required amputation.
Even after that first surgery, Noel’s medical challenges were not over. Her remaining front leg was also in such poor condition that veterinarians eventually advised that it would need to be amputated as well. The alternative was euthanasia.
Zach Skow, founder of the California-based nonprofit rescue organization Marley’s Mutts, had taken Noel into the group’s care about a month after her arrival at the shelter. Just two days after bringing her in, he was confronted with the difficult decision.
The thought of a dog living without either front leg was understandably concerning. But Noel showed a determination to keep going, and the veterinary team believed another amputation was necessary to give her a chance at life.
The decision proved to be the right one.
Skow was amazed by how quickly Noel adapted. Rather than allowing her disability to define her future, she began finding ways to move around and enjoy her surroundings.
He later shared his thoughts about her remarkable attitude with TODAY:
“Noel has amazed me with her approach towards life. She is moving right along — no pity, no hesitation, no regrets. She has a disability but it’s not going to prevent her from being happy.”
He also described her progress with a simple observation: “She hasn’t just adapted. She is thriving.”
A Puppy Who Figured Out How to Walk on Her Own
After her surgeries, Noel spent time resting in a crate while her body recovered. Moving along her stomach was uncomfortable because of the stitches, so when she wanted to get out, she began standing upright on her two hind legs.
Nobody trained her to do this. She simply discovered a way to move that worked for her.
When Lauren agreed to look after Noel temporarily, she expected the arrangement to last only a few days. A friend involved in rescue had needed someone to watch the puppy, and Lauren was happy to help.
But those few days changed everything. Lauren and her household quickly fell in love with Noel, and the temporary guest became a permanent member of the family.
Her personality became even more apparent once she started playing with Lily, another dog in the household. The two wrestled, chased each other, and enjoyed the kind of playful companionship Noel had always deserved.
Lauren did not want Noel’s physical limitations to prevent her from experiencing an ordinary dog’s life. She allowed her to explore, play, and develop at her own pace.
And Noel certainly had plenty of opinions along the way.
The Wheelchair That Let Her Keep Up With Lily
One thing Noel made clear was that she wanted to join Lily on walks. Watching another dog head outside while she stayed behind simply wasn’t appealing to her.
Lauren found a specially fitted wheelchair that could support Noel’s body and help her move around outdoors.
The first experience was unforgettable. As soon as Noel was placed in the wheelchair, she started running. She moved so enthusiastically that keeping up with her was almost a challenge.
The wheelchair gave her an opportunity to explore alongside Lily, enjoying the freedom of moving across the ground without having to rely entirely on her back legs.
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At home, Noel continued to enjoy her favorite things: sleeping on the couch, snuggling with her humans, playing with Lily, and occasionally making sure everyone understood exactly what she wanted.
She can become quite vocal when she anticipates a big walk, although even this confident little dog has her fears. Rottweilers, for example, make her nervous.
Noel’s story also carries a larger message about the people who helped her along the way. Kern County Animal Services had made significant changes in its approach to animal care. According to its director, Nicholas Cullen, the shelter had gone from euthanizing approximately 70% of its animals to saving around 70% over the preceding five years.
Noel was one of the animals whose life was made possible through those efforts, followed by the additional care and commitment of Marley’s Mutts and her adoptive family.
Today, she continues to live with the same enthusiasm that surprised everyone during her recovery. She may have only two legs, but she has no shortage of energy, affection, or personality.
And if Noel has anything to say about it, nobody should expect her to sit out on life’s adventures.
Lauren regularly shares photos and videos of Noel’s life and adventures on Instagram, where followers can continue keeping up with this spirited little dog’s journey at @noelthebipawdshorkie.
