Meet Babe, a dog with only 2 legs!
On Sunday, as judge for the best trick and costume contest,
I was honored to meet Babe at the PetWalk.

Babe's a Chihuahua-mix who was born without her front legs.
She's no bigger than your forearm, weighing only a few pounds,
but she has heart and personality as big as a barn.

Dressed in her hula girl outfit and hibiscus flower on her head,
she awed the crowd as she walked across the stage on her hind legs.

Her owner, Warren Hoopii, said, "She thinks she's a normal dog.
She has no idea that she should have four legs."

The Hoopiis of East Honolulu also own Babe's parents.
Babe was one of three pups born on Oct. 31, 2007.
Everywhere she went, people marveled at this little dog
with only two stumps where her front legs should be.

What about going to the bathroom?
How does she balance?
She does her "business" while walking.
Babe can do everything that a regular dog does.

She is now training to be a therapy dog for Shriner's Hospital.
Hoopii said, "She's going to give hope to children who have difficulty walking. She's an inspiration. If Babe can do it, they can, too."

This little dog is an outright celebrity.

She's already on youtube.com;
Click HERE, to watch Babe's spectacular video!
The producers of Oprah also have contacted the Hoopiis to appear on the show.

Way to go, Babe!
Thank you for showing us that no matter how tough life is,
we should never give up hope!

By Leslie
East Honolulu, Hawaii
Tuesday October 14th, 2008

UPDATE:

Funny pet videos are no match against this "two-legged dog video," starring Babe, a bi-pedal Chihuahua-Poodle mix cutie, who not only handles her own congenital disability with finesse, but inspires others to do the same.

Drawing camera-toting crowds,
the 18-month old pup sits, walks, plays
and performs pet tricks with even more enthusiasm
than some of her four-legged counterparts.

Yet, Babe seems to serve a greater purpose
than showing off in front of Hawaiian tourists and local gawkers.

She recently began visits to elderly homes
and is slated to train as a therapy dog,
according to this KHON interview.

Some may consider her a disabled dog,
but Babe's spirit and dexterity
shines in this very special dog video.

Called, "a gift" by her owner, it is easy to see why.
Wednesday April 15th, 2009

(Please also see TWO-legged Faith, Page 72 Dominic, Page 93 Josie, Page 221 )

After learning to walk on his hind legs,
Scooter the chihuahua skips along like a baby kangaroo.

The tiny nine-month-old is one of four siblings born
with just stumps at the front, probably due to inbreeding.

All have learned to walk almost as far as their four-legged friends.

But to help them on those longer trips,
owners Donna and John Imhof have built them lightweight 'carts'
so they can trundle along on front wheels.

Vet Donna, 48, of New York, said:
"It's a lot of work, but worth it. I love each of them."

North Shore Animal League of America selected the Imhof's among
those honored as 2005's Most Outstanding Animal Champions.

The Spirit of Compassion Award for their animal life-saving
and life-enhancing apparatus and equipment which have helped
countless special needs animals live full and happy lives
was bestowed at the 5th Annual Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon
on Wednesday, October 26, 2005, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
at Garden City Hotel at 45 Seventh Street in Garden City, New York.

(Please also see TWO-legged Faith, Page 72 Dominic, Page 93 Josie, Page 221 )