- Marvel, a golden retriever puppy who was born without a front right paw, has found her forever home with 7-year-old Paxton Williams, who had his right leg amputated three years ago.
- The two have since become BFFs who enjoy walks outside together.
- Paxton’s family hopes that he and Marvel could someday be able to run side by side.
Marvel, a golden retriever puppy, was the only one in her litter born with a missing front right paw. Now, she has found her forever home with the Williams family in Waconia, CBS Minnesota reports. Her new companion is 7-year-old Paxton Willams, who has a prosthetic leg after having his right leg amputated three years ago.
Rolling Oaks Goldens breeder Barb Felt shared what they thought when Marvel was born: “We knew right away she had a special purpose. We wanted her to go in a home with someone who had a limb difference.”‘
Felt then found the Williams family through another client, Paxton’s occupational therapist.
After being born premature, Paxton had a complication that caused an infection in his right leg. The limb’s growth was stunted, and his parents had to make the difficult decision to have his right leg amputated three years ago. It was then replaced with a prosthetic leg.
Stephanie, Paxton’s mom, shares that having the same physical difference with their new family member helps Paxton a lot.
“It gives him the opportunity to tell the kids, ‘Oh, she’s missing a paw, she’s like me,'” she said. “And like it gives him that voice, too, to advocate for himself.”
Paxton’s dad, Blaine, also shares how heartwarming it is to see Paxton and Marvel enjoying outdoor walks together on the trails near their home.
“It’s like they knew they were special,” he shared of their bond.
“It was just awesome because it was knowing that she was in the perfect place at the perfect time,” he said.
As Marvel grows older and bigger, she might need a wheelchair or prosthetic of her own. Perhaps someday, Paxton and Marvel will be able to run alongside each other.
Source: People