Earlier this year we told you about Emma, an American Bulldog and Pit Bull mix who suffers from a condition called hemivertebrae, as well as a neurological disorder similar to cerebral palsy. Combined, these issues make make mobility difficult for Emma, but that didn’t stop her from dragging herself across the floor to greet her human friend after returning home from deployment.
It’s the video that put Emma on the Internet’s map. It’s pretty bittersweet and a little difficult to watch — Emma doesn’t care that her hind legs are essentially useless, she just has to be close to her human friend, especially after being separated from him for so long.
For Veteran’s Day, I thought we’d revisit Emma and see how she’s doing. It’s been six months since we first brought Emma to you. Back then, Emma’s human friends were trying to outfit her with a wheelchair. It turns out that because Emma’s front legs are bow-legged, it’s difficult to find something that fits properly. Additionally, through a process of trial and error, Melissa — Emma’s owner and the woman who updates her Facebook page — has discovered that Emma doesn’t seem to really want a wheelchair. The family has tried multiple designs and worked with multiple people, and she’s just not into it!
But she seems to be doing just fine without it. Emma has developed enough strength to get around in her own special way.
On Emma’s Facebook page, Melissa answers some tough questions — among them is how long Emma will live. At best, maybe five years. At worst, Emma may not even make it to her first birthday. But as you can see from the video of her greeting Melissa’s husband, that doesn’t stop her from being a loving and loyal dog.
All photos via Emma’s Facebook page — go check her out there and tell her Dogster says Hello!
Read about other Monday Miracles on Dogster:
- Auggie Was Almost Euthanized at the Shelter for His Disability
- Meet Kenny the Double-Dappled, Double-Disabled Dachshund
- Oblio the Dog Has Water on the Brain, But That’s His “Point”
About Liz Acosta: Dogster’s former Cuteness Correspondent, Liz still manages the site’s daily “Awws,” only now she also wrangles Dogster’s social media. That’s why she wants you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and — her personal favorite — Instagram. See ya there!
