By Janet McAfee
Could an amputated leg stop Skipper from running toward a new life? Thanks to you, THE answer is “No.”
On May 2, 2024, I lay on a Desert Hot Springs road, trying to drag myself out of traffic. My right rear leg wouldn’t move, and pain shot through my body. I was just a hungry, exhausted puppy. Cars sped past without stopping—until finally, a truck pulled over. A kind woman in uniform gently picked me up and told me I was safe. I couldn’t talk to tell her my story.
She brought me to the Desert Hot Springs Animal Care Center, where I had food, pain relief, and caring hands. Soon a veterinarian examined me, removed the maggots from my paws, took X-rays, and delivered sad news—my leg would need to be amputated. I wagged my tail to tell everyone it would be okay.
A Loving All Animals volunteer transported me to Tony, my wonderful foster dad. He changed my bandages every day, and his little dog Buster checked on me constantly. Even though my leg was gone, sometimes it still felt like it was there. But with Tony’s love, I healed quickly and began walking—and soon running. Tony said, “Skipper’s loving, fighting spirit helped me realize that life is truly what one makes of it!”
After a month, I moved to the Loving All Animals shelter. I played with the other dogs, learned new commands from Valerie the trainer, and greeted visitors with enthusiasm. Many wanted small dogs, though—and I kept growing.
When I became too big for the kennels, Briana from Loving All Animals offered to foster me. I adored her dogs, tolerated her cat, and enjoyed curling up with the humans when I couldn’t keep up with the pack. I even went to work with Briana at the shelter! The volunteers took me for walks and made me feel special. I almost forgot I had only three legs until someone called me a “tripod.”
Everything changed on August 5, 2025. Elsa had seen my story on “Eye on the Desert” and came with her dog Ryder to meet me. I ran straight into their arms. Now I live on two acres with Elsa and my two dog brothers, where I explore, play, and run like the wind. Elsa says, “Skipper runs like a Whippet and leaps over the bushes in the yard!”
I hope my journey encourages more people to adopt “special needs” dogs like me. After surviving so much, my heart is full of gratitude for every hero at Loving All Animals who helped me reach the life I have today.
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Loving All Animals has rescued and rehomed thousands of homeless animals. Some of them were stray abandoned animals roaming our streets. Some were left behind when their owners passed away with no plan for them and no available relative to take them in. Some are in our overwhelmed and overcrowded Riverside County Shelter where some of the big dogs don’t make it out alive due to lack of space. Please consider adopting, fostering, or volunteering at www.lovingallanimals.org or call (760) 834-7000. Donate online or mail a check to Loving All Animals, 83496 51st Ave, Coachella, CA 92236. Your generous donation ensures these animals a happy ending!
