A puppy who was the sole survivor of her litter is continuing to defy the odds, despite being born without two distinct features.
From the moment Nubby’s mom gave birth at Doggie Rescue Ranch in Live Oak, Florida, Marianne St Clair could see she was different. “Nubby came into our care when her mom was surrendered to us, extremely pregnant, after her owner had to move into a hotel and could no longer keep her,” St Clair told Newsweek. “We took her in so she could safely have her puppies.”
Nubby was one of five puppies born in that litter. From the very beginning, though, their chances of survival were not great. Nubby and her siblings were inbred. Their father was also their grandfather.
Inbreeding can significantly impact a canine’s overall health. A 2021 study published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics found that inbreeding resulted in significantly higher disease rates among dogs affected and that these canines often struggled with poor health through their lifetimes and required significantly more veterinary care.
St Clair said Nubby and her siblings were born with “multiple medical challenges.” Sadly, for the other puppies, these challenges proved too great to overcome. “Nubby’s siblings did not survive,” St Clair said. “One passed due to severe developmental issues, another suffered from seizures, and the remaining two had to be humanely euthanized due to a clotting disorder that caused them significant pain.”
Nubby, however, was different. Not just for the fact she survived, but because of her distinctive appearance. “She was born without fully formed hind legs—she has small nubs with little pads and a shortened tail,” St Clair said.
Nubby’s life was made more difficult by the fact her mom did not produce milk. Staff at Doggie Rescue Ranch had to step in, providing the young pup with regular bottle feeds.
Now a little over seven weeks old and a healthy two pounds, Nubby is going from strength to strength. “Despite everything she has been through, she is doing incredibly well,” St Clair said. “She gets around great, is very feisty, and loves to play. Her favorite things are running around and getting snuggles—she truly has a big personality in a tiny body.”
Right now the focus is on helping Nubby to grow and get stronger. St Clair says they have worked to make sure she has a close relationship with her mom, despite the lack of milk, and are exploring options such as prosthetic support or specialized shoes to help her continue to thrive as she grows.
Doggie Rescue Ranch shared Nubby’s story to their Facebook and TikTok channels to showcase her remarkable journey. “She is truly a fighter,” St Clair said.
“Nubby’s story is heartbreaking, but it is also one of resilience, strength, and hope. She is proof that even the smallest lives can have the biggest impact.”
