Mulligan is my 3 legged golden retriever rescue puppy. She was born the runt of the litter, with a deformed front leg. Her birth mom rejected her, and her breeder didn’t think she’d live or have much of a life so he brought her to the animal hospital to be put down at two days old.
Lucky for Mulligan (and for me) the girls at the hospital and one very kind veterinarian thought the puppy deserved a chance to live and offered to take her in to see if they could nurse her back to health.
Mulligan struggled at first as she was half the size of her littermates. But over time she became stronger and stronger. She was fostered by her veterinarian at night and she spent her days at the clinic socializing and playing with all the pups and people there.
At 9 weeks old she was strong enough to handle the surgery of having her front right leg amputated. The next day she was hopping around chasing the big dogs. Two weeks later she was ready to come home. 
I adopted her sight unseen. My sister was one of the girls at the Animal Hospital who saved her. She emailed me that day, "We have a tiny little golden puppy, I don’t know if she’ll make it though"… I followed her story; I had just gone through a divorce and lost a dog. I knew what it felt like to be thrown away. My other dog Morgan was missing her pal. We needed Mully as much as she needed us.
We were in two different states, but that didn’t stop us. Mulligan flew from Buffalo, NY to Nashville, TN by herself. The airline treated her like royalty — last one on, first one off. I was told the pilot announced over the loud speaker that they were flying with a very special passenger. He told a little about her rescue story and surgery and all the passengers clapped for her!
I named her Mulligan, it means second chance. 
Mulligan is now 4 years old, a happy healthy little golden retriever, full of life, ball crazy with a heart of gold. Mulligan taught me about unconditional love and being proud of who you are no matter what your flaws may be. Sometimes I wonder who rescued who.
My Etsy shop (art4milkbones) is dog themed, I add photos of my dogs to my Etsy listings when I have an extra spot or it’s golden related. I get so many sweet comments about Mully & Morgan from my customers or sometimes strangers just convo me and say "Mully makes me smile!" or they want to tell me about their dog. I have met some wonderful dog people through Etsy.
If you’re thinking about adding a canine companion to your family please consider adopting a handicapped or special needs pet. All dogs deserve a great home.
… and sometimes it’s the things that aren’t perfect.. that turn out to be the most perfect of all!
Cruelty Free Etsy | The Dog Mafia | EFA Etsy for Animals | Handmade4Hounds |
All Pet-related Items | Etsy Pets on the Storque
49 comments
Sign in to add your ownhowlinhounds says:
What a beautiful story. A true rescue for both of you. A friend of mine always says, "the dog you need always comes into your life when you need them the most." I think that surely was the case for you and Mully.
4 years ago
walkinthewoodsllc says:
Thank you for sharing Mully's story. Only moments before I read this, I had found my Eulogy to Karma, my black lab that moved on from this life a little more than a year ago, after ten years of Perfect Love. I miss him. I already know that, when I am ready, my next canine companion will be a rescue - of some kind or another. :) Thanks again for sharing.
4 years ago
daniellexo says:
Agh you are just killing me here! I love Mully :) We rescued our little monster as well - you have a big heart art4milkbones!
4 years ago
redhatlady says:
I too am a dog / pet / animal / person. Great message presented in a very nice way! Love to your 3-legged pal.
4 years ago
IWillFly says:
I *heart* my three-legged cat, she's da bomb :)
4 years ago
etcetrix says:
Love to you and sweet Mulligan the darling "tripod" pup! Thanks so much for sharing your story. May you continue to bring each other joy for a long long time to come. Our own rescues, canine and feline, surround us and enhance our lives each day more than I can say. xoxo
4 years ago
relishdress says:
This brought tears to my eyes as a fellow golden retriever mommy! What a great story! :) How wonderful you were able to give Mulligan the chance she deserves!
4 years ago
fluffnflowers says:
What a beautiful girl and equally beautiful story! These 'special' rescues are always the most dear.
4 years ago
EcoLogicallyWorn says:
Heartfelt story! Hugs to YOU!!! We have a rescue dog, he's a retriever, but terribly gun shy(may be, why he was cast aside). Our cat, his best friend is from a no/kill shelter also. I'm sending the address to where she came from, she's the cat in the bathroom window. http://www.spokanimal.org/tonasketcruelty.html#photos
4 years ago
RescueMeTugz says:
You are absolutely awesome and I love you! I just read Mulligan's story and all I can say is WOW! Kudo's to you :o) I am a Great Dane rescue volunteer and I have 2 Great Danes that no one wanted and I see this over and over in rescue. Your story made me cry...in a good way :o) Thank you for sharing! Michele
4 years ago
EarthBabyDesigns says:
Okay, I don't cry, but that story made me cry. *sniff* Thanks for giving Mully a good home. Everyone needs a second chance.
4 years ago
TwinDreamCreations says:
What a heartfelt story. I also have a golden and just love, love, love her to bits. Thanks for sharing Mulligan's story.
4 years ago
vivametal says:
A wonderful story and SUCH A CUTIE! I had a golden when I was 9 to 19 and will always have a golden-shaped hole in my heart. Big hugs to Miss Mulligan! <3
4 years ago
LoveLeeSoaps says:
This is so sweet! Mulligan is adorable :)
4 years ago
BlackMtnFurniture says:
What a very moving story! YAY for you and Mulligan!!
4 years ago
annejulie says:
Your story made me cry! Oh cute is your little sweetie. You are the kind of person that will save the world, I tell you!
4 years ago
BellaMental says:
How wonderful! These stories always make me cry! Being a volunteer at an animal shelter, I really appreciate people who can open their hearts and homes to less fortunate animals. THANK YOU!!!!
4 years ago
BentleysBones says:
Hugs to You and Mulligan! Thank you for sharing your story. I adopted both of my two labs and wouldn't do it any other way. There are so many loving animals that need homes out there in shelters. Please If you are thinking about getting a new pet, look to your local shelters and rescue groups and save a life!
4 years ago
FelineFido says:
This is actually my first comment on Etsy, but I felt compelled to thank you for what you have done for Mulligan. Animals have this overwhelming ability to make us need them as much as they need us! I'm so glad you found one antoher. Your story really touched me, as I have a handicapped kitten who will be 1 year old this summer. I hand raised her and her 4 siblings after their young mother abandoned them in my backyard at barely 1 week old. They were dehydrated, starving and sick. I spent almost every day at the vet for the first 4 weeks. Luckily, we were able to save them all and each one went to wonderful homes. We did keep one, she was slow to develope mentally & physically and she has a deformed front leg. She can't climb well and is not able to jump up or down, but took a giant leap into our hearts. Even our rescued Rottie mix loves her unconditionally. They are best of friends. Thank you so much this story and for everything you do to encourage the adoption of special needs animals. (apologies for this lengthy post)
4 years ago
katinkapinka says:
it warms my heart to know that there are compassionate people out there with enough love in their heart to open their home to a special-needs animal...very sweet story. :)
4 years ago
michelemaule says:
This is the sweetest story. Thank you so much for sharing it. It made me cry...but in a good way... :)
4 years ago
art4milkbones says:
Thank You everyone for the wonderful & sweet comments about Mully! I had no idea how much her story would touch so many people, I've gotten a bunch of nice convos as well. Mully says WOOF!
4 years ago
paperpeddler says:
Lovely story and a beautiful dog - thanks for sharing!
4 years ago
hansigurumi says:
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. How wonderful of you to open your home and heart to sweet Mulligan! I, like others who have read it, am weepy. When we are ready to adopt a furry friend, we'll definitely do what we can to adopt one with special needs, who might not have a chance otherwise. You are so inspiring! :)
4 years ago
Valhi says:
WOOF and hugs and kisses to Mully and you!
4 years ago
dreameyce says:
That story is so beautiful. That part about the pilot announcing her trip and story, then people clapping for me made me tear up. How wonderful!
4 years ago
Poisonerie says:
This story is absolute wonderful, and you are a great person. My cat Mina was crying alone in the street a few years ago, I could not resist to adopt such a cute and helpless animal and I'm not regretful for it. Sometimes Mina gives me more love and fantastic moments than even some people close to me. Your words are really useful and I hope will encourage people to take care of handicapped animals, they deserve as you certainly say a second chance. Hugs to your nice Mully and you!
4 years ago
anniessweatshop says:
Hooray art4milkbones! Heart warming.
4 years ago
mishkat says:
Wonderful story - thanks so much for writing about Mully!
4 years ago
midnightrabbits says:
Wonderful article, pleased to meet you and Mully.
4 years ago
thevillagegiraffe says:
Thank you, you just made my day!!!!
4 years ago
blomma says:
The best story I have heard in a long time. I'm so happy that you and Mully found each other. Here's to many many more happy years with Mully!!! Thank you for sharing her story.
4 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
What a heartfelt teary story. You are so lucky to have a caring sister - who knew the right home for puppy Mulligan straight away! So glad they gave Mulligan a chance at life. I can't say the same for the breeder! Rescues are the way to go, forgo the breeders and pet shops.
4 years ago
AthenasArmoury says:
What a beautiful story!! I was tearing up reading it. Thank you so much for sharing.
4 years ago
Ekioart says:
What a great story! As a golden momma and a rescue lovin gal this made me tear up. Thanks for sharing and being such a cool pet pal!
4 years ago
projectfelt says:
I'm crying now in the middle of work and people are looking at me like I'm crazy, but I can't help it. I have more love for animals than humans sometimes and this story makes me so happy!
4 years ago
brepettis says:
OK, I'm not a pet person, but this one's got my eyes a watering! Nice story
4 years ago
sweetestpea says:
Great story - Thanks for sharing!
4 years ago
LolaLynn says:
Thank you so much for sharing.
4 years ago
aimeedars says:
What a great story! Mulligan is so cute and looks so happy! Thanks for supporting rescue!
4 years ago
JewelryByEsta says:
You and Mulligan are both lucky!!!! I have had a multiple dog household for 35 years and they have all been rescues. Rescues make the best pets.
4 years ago
dillondesigns says:
What a beautiful story and a gorgeous dog! I have a wonderful disabled chihuahua myself who was born without her front two legs. The love a rescued pet can offer is like nothing else. Thanks so much for sharing this!
4 years ago
NeedleArtCreations says:
You are a treasure for caring about this special little pup. To us, all animals are special. We've always adopted the strays, the needy, the unwanted, and all have been so wonderful. We love all animals and love to hear stories like yours. Arf arf, woof, and meow to you, Mully and Morgan.
3 years ago
HannahVPhotography says:
Thank you for thinking of extending your great love story with the rest of us. I contribute monthly to a woman who takes in many, many animals like Mulligan. http://angelsgate.org/ It's a hospice for animals. You should check them out!
3 years ago
Rubberhedgehog says:
Hi Mully, Morgan, and Family. Your story is just wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing it! Sidelia AKA RubberHedgehog
3 years ago
Artwolf says:
wonderful story thank you for sharing
3 years ago
kimylynn says:
Oh Elizabeth...you just brought tears to my eyes. What a lucky dog to get a second chance and to be rescued by you. I'm happy she rescued you as well..dogs do that to us, don't they? I, of course, love your shop and hearing about your pups. ~Kimberli mother of two 11 year old labs.
3 years ago
fishbonesilver says:
What a wonderful story! Lucky dog and lucky you! I have 5 Golden Retrievers so I know what special dogs they are.
3 years ago
savannahroom says:
That is so beautiful, thank you so much for sharing ! Last year I had ross river virus, yes for a whole year, and if it weren't for my gorgeous girl, Dakota (black flat coated retriever), I would have been lost. She stuck by me day by day .. laying by my side next to the couch for months .. They really are .. our best friends ! Katherine x www.thesavannahroom.blogspot.com www.twitter.com/thesavannahroom
2 years ago