A three-legged puppy has become the treasured friend of a small Queensland toddler born with one arm. One-year-old Ella Peggie has found her soulmate early in life – a Staffy Boston Terrier Cross named Snowy. When her mother Brooke Hodgson discovered the hound pound online, she knew instantly Snowy would be the perfect fit. The 21-year-old mother hopes the pup will stay by Ella’s side growing up – through the highs and lows of her life.
She will encounter the hurdles of riding a bike to school or not being able to climb the monkey bars during playtime.
Yet young Ella Peggie, who was born without her left arm, will get an unprecedented opportunity to share a life-changing link with her new cherished pet – a three-legged puppy.
Brooke Hodgson, her mother, knew the one-year-old Staffy Boston Terrier Cross named Snowy in the hound pound would be the perfect companion for her one-year-old daughter.
The 21-year-old mother decided to compose a heartfelt email to the Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ) requesting if they might hold the abandoned puppy at the Gold Coast rehoming site.
‘When I spotted Snowy online, my heart skipped a beat,’ Ms Hodgson told Daily Mail Australia from her hometown of Loganholm in Queensland.
‘I knew she was going to be perfect for Ella – they share the same age so they both have a long life of friendship ahead of them. Snowy will surely increase her self-esteem as she grows older.
‘It’s going to be excellent for her [Ella] when she recognizes she’s different or when she’s having a terrible day, she will see the resemblance and know that she’s not alone.’
After being surrendered to the animal shelter last week, the pound puppy, who recently had surgery to remove a leg, found a new home in just three days.
The mother-of-two said she has been struck by the sweet interaction between the duo since the vivacious pup became the latest addition to the family. And she hopes the affectionate pooch will be by Ella’s side through the ups and downs of life.
Ms Hodgson acknowledges that Ella needed some time to warm up to the active puppy.
‘Ella hasn’t been around animals before so she was a little iffy when we got Snowy up but she has warmed up to her pretty fast,’ she said.
They snuggle up close and Ella gives her kisses all the time. s’
And I’ve noticed every morning, Snowy will look for Ella first before she runs to anyone else. It’s a great bond to behold. I’m convinced it will make a tremendous difference for Ella.
‘I’m just grateful that I was able to give her this dog. I can hardly wait for them to get any closer. Not many people can do this for their children, so we’re really blessed to have Snowy – I can’t even express how glad I am right now.’
The young mother said Snowy, who was welcomed into the family just a week ago, has been playing a very special part to Ella’s life as well as her three-year-old brother Blake and her father Stewart Peggie, 22.
Despite her daughter’s illness, the devoted mother stated baby Ella, who suffers from Amniotic Band syndrome, is a healthy baby who has never failed to make others appreciate her.
‘Ella is perfect, and she is just like any other child,’ Ms Hodgson added.
‘She has found a way around by herself and does things her own way. She plays with her head and feet a lot, so she’s adjusting nicely. She has learnt to bum shuffle around the home instead of crawling.
‘When she was born at a hospital ward, I was a bit apprehensive at first – like how she would cope when she enters prep school. She won’t be able to cut paper with scissors or do other things that require two hands.
‘But we shall cross that bridge when we come to it. She’s our gorgeous, happy, and healthy little daughter right now, and I couldn’t want for anything more.’
Update:After seven years Ella and her beloved puppy still enjoying the best life and defeating all thing her family feared she will not …
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