Puppy who can never walk forms unlikely bond with pigeon in the same boat
The Mia Foundation in Rochester, New York rescues animals with disabilities that might otherwise die or be put down.
Now, they’re gaining attention and raising funds for a good cause after the story of an unlikely friendship between two of their rescues went viral.
This is Lundy. At the time he got famous, the Chihuahua was just 8 weeks old. He had been handed over to The Mia Foundation at 4 weeks by an owner who couldn’t care for him because Lundy cannot walk.
This is Herman. Herman was found in the parking lot of a car dealership, immobile but alive for 3 straight days. He cannot fly.
While you might not think a Chihuahua and a pigeon have much in common, in this case, you’d be wrong.
When the two met, The Mia Foundation’s founder Sue Rogers couldn’t help but chronicle the unlikely moment of friendship.
“I had Herman in a dog bed and was tending to Lundy. I set Lundy next to him and they looked so adorable that I snapped a few photos,” she told Inside Edition.
While she was initially concerned about some nipping, she found that the animals were largely careful with each other and enjoyed spending time side-by-side.
When she posted photos of the adorable duo on Facebook, the organization quickly raked in thousands in donations – and it’s all going to a good cause.
“Some of the surgeries required for our special needs animals run from $1,000 to $8,000 dollars, depending. The donations are needed and appreciated,” Rogers said.
A video of the two posted by The Dodo on Facebook has been viewed more than 10 MILLION times in just one month.
The Mia Foundation treats all sorts of animals – whatever people bring them. In fact, Rogers told PEOPLE they’ve cared for dogs, cats, horses, goats, turkeys, and even a donkey.
“Our main goals is take in animals born with birth defects. But people bring us injured birds and squirrels sometimes.”
Since Rogers posted the photos, she said they have received more than 100 inquiries on adopting Herman and Lundy together, though Herman will likely be a life-long resident of The Mia Foundation.
Recently, an X-ray revealed that Lundy will never walk normally on his own 4 paws because he has Kyphosis, a severe curvature of the spine that no surgery nor brace can fix. It’s progressed quite a bit in just 7 weeks and Rogers is concerned it could damage his internal organs.
But for now, he’s still a happy pup and he’s mobile thanks to the local Hilton High School Robotics Team!
“Right now he is happy and doesn’t seem to be in any pain.
We have had a few pups with this condition that are living great lives and we will continue providing Lundy with everything he needs to do the same,” Rogers posted with the diagnosis.
There has already been a book written about the pair and the proceeds will go towards helping animals in need.
“Lundy and Herman swept the internet with their friendship at the Mia Foundation. Lundy the chihuahua cannot walk and Herman the pigeon cannot fly. Despite their disabilities and the species barrier, it hasn’t stopped them from snuggling up at their rescue Mia Foundation in Rochester, New York,” the description reads.
For now, these two are still enjoying their time together at The Mia Foundation.
Be sure to scroll down below to see the sweet video of their friendship in action.
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Source: The Dodo via Facebook, The Mia Foundation, The Mia Foundation – Love for Mia via Facebook, Inside Edition