During a recent mission trip to a shelter in northern Minnesota, the folks at Ruff Start Rescue (RSR) experienced a sudden change in plans. They’d arrived with the sole goal of saving cats, but walking through the shelter’s doors, they caught sight of a different animal in need.

“Cats were the mission … until we met Belah,” RSR’s Azure Davis told The Dodo.

Walking into the shelter, the RSR staff passed a row of kennels mostly filled with loud, rambunctious dogs. But one pup, Belah, stayed perfectly still through all the chaos.

“There she was, sitting quietly, smiling through it all,” Davis said. “At that moment, we were hooked.”

Belah hooked her left paw through the bars of her kennel and, with her pleading eyes and gentle disposition, won over the entire RSR crew. Suddenly, the team who’d arrived with a plan to save cats found themselves scrambling to help a dog.

While loading crate after crate of cats into their truck, the RSR crew posted an urgent plea for foster parents to care for Belah. It didn’t take long for someone to answer their call for help.

“Within minutes, someone stepped up to give her the chance she deserved,” Davis said.

Along with the cat crates, the RSR team loaded Belah into the truck and drove her to their trusted veterinary clinic. As they retrieved Belah, the RSR team quickly noticed a limp in her front left leg — the one she’d hooked through the door.

They could tell it was deformed, but it wasn’t until they took her to the vet clinic that they fully understood what was going on.

“We learned that she has severe angular limb deformity in her left front leg and carpal hyperextension in her right front leg,” Davis said. “Likely caused by birth defects or a past injury, her condition isn’t painful, but it does cause some instability.”

Belah’s uniquely formed left leg affected the way she walked and ran, but thankfully, Belah wasn’t in any pain. Having a deformed left leg was normal to Belah, and her quality of life didn’t suffer at all because of it.

Still, her friends at RSR devised a comprehensive treatment plan to help strengthen Belah’s legs and avoid any future arthritis or pain. Thanks to consistent physical therapy and a custom brace that offered extra support, Belah soon began to improve — and she’s been thriving ever since.

“Despite her challenges, Belah is an absolute joy!” Davis said. “Her sweet, goofy personality shines every day, and she’s always ready to cuddle and play.”

As Belah’s rambunctious personality continues to blossom, her foster parents remain extra attentive to her needs. They give her all the space she needs to play while ensuring she stays safe and supported.

“Belah is working hard to strengthen her legs, and she wears a soft splint during walks and playtime to help her along,” Davis said. “Her foster family is supporting her every step of the way, helping her avoid any rough play and jump-free adventures while her legs heal.”

At 3 months old, Belah has mastered crate training, potty training and physical therapy. She’s currently enjoying life at her foster home but is still on the market for a forever family, which Davis hopes won’t take too long to find.

“Belah needs a foster-to-adopt family who will continue to support her recovery — keeping her on leash outdoors and helping her stay calm during her rehab journey,” Davis said. “She’s ready to find a home that will give her the love, care and patience she needs to thrive.”

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Source: CNN