A 3-year-old girl without feet shares a special bond with the puppy she just adopted, who happened to be born without a paw.
Sapphyre Johnson was born missing fingers and toes. Her parents decided to have her feet amputated so she could be fitted for prosthetics and lead a more normal life, USA Today reports.
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She found her perfect match with a white German Shepherd puppy missing a paw named Lt. Dan (like the character Forrest Gump who lost a leg). His owner, Karen Riddle, knew that he deserved a special home with someone who understood his condition, so she got in touch with Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago, where Sapphyre has been a patient since she was 3 months old.
"That's my puppy," Sapphyre said when she saw a picture of Lt. Dan. "He's just like me."
The pair hit it off, and Lt. Dan found his home. Sapphyre's parents hope her new dog will encourage her to learn to be active with her new prosthetics and help her explain her condition to other kids. Once Lt. Dan is fully grown, Shriners Hospital will even provide a prosthetic paw for Lt. Dan -- free of charge.
BONUS: Puppy facts!