A cute six-legged puppy that was born with two extra front legs has been named Roo because she jumps around on her back legs like a kangaroo.
Care worker Lauren Salmon, 33, from Orpington, Kent, bought Roo from breeders in Essex two weeks ago after her son Luke, 15, spotted the special pup online.
The eight-week-old Labrador-cross has difficulty walking normally so Miss Salmon contacted Dr Noel Fitzpatrick – the star of Channel 4’s The Supervet – to see if he can help.
Eight-week-old Labrador-cross Roo, who was bought from a breeders in Essex, was born with two extra front legs that get in the way when she tries to walk
The cute puppy was named after a kangaroo because she hops around on her back paws due to her reduced mobility
Adorable puppy hops around after she is born with SIX legs
Miss Salmon’s son Luke, 15, (pictured holding Roo) spotted the special pup online and couldn’t resist her
The mother-of-four is now waiting to hear back from Dr Fitzpatrick after he reviews a report and looks pictures of Roo’s extraordinary legs.
Miss Salmon said: ‘When she jumps up on us she looks like a kangaroo, hence the name.
‘But when she walks, she sort of staggers on her elbows with her bum in the air, like an army crawl.
‘It’s sad but it’s cute at the same time because she is so full of energy.’
Miss Salmon’s vet was relieved when she asked her to refer Roo to The Supervet because she feared her owners would want the pup to be put down.
Lauren added: ‘We absolutely love Roo to pieces.
‘She’s is just a normal dog to us – just with a couple of extra bits.
‘Her special legs don’t cause her any pain, and it’s easy to see just how full of life she is.
‘She’s full of puppy energy, so we’d describe her as placid but playful.
‘There are not many dogs like Roo out there and think the breeders kill them off because they’re not worth anything, but to us she’s priceless.’
When Miss Salmon and her son Luke went to collect Roo she came ‘bounding out’ of her puppy pen and jumped up at the pair on her hind legs.
‘It was love at first sight’: Roo’s owner Lauren Salmon, 33, said the playful pup is always full of energy
When the Labrador-cross walks she staggers on her elbows with her bum in the air in an army crawl motion
Miss Salmon said: ‘It was love at first sight for Luke and for Roo from then on.
‘Luke is like a protective father. They never leave each other’s sides and she even sleeps in his bed.’
Schoolboy Luke, 15, suffers from psoriasis and has been bullied because of the disorder which leaves the skin covered in flaky red patches.
Lauren added: ‘Luke feels like the odd one out because of his condition, and now he’s got a best friend to match.
‘I think Roo will reduce Luke’s stress and that should help his skin.’
The animal loving family also have a Jack Russell, two cats and two supersize French Lop rabbits at home.
Roo’s owners say she is a normal dog, just with a couple of extra bits. Miss Salmon contacted Dr Noel Fitzpatrick – the star of Channel 4’s The Supervet – to see if he can help the pooch
The animal-loving family is now waiting to hear back from Dr Fitzpatrick who is reviewing a report and looking at images of Roo’s extraordinary legs (pictured)
Strike a pose: Roo’s vet said she was relieved when Miss Salmon said she wanted to contact The Supervet as most owners would want to put the pup down
Miss Salmon and her family also have a Jack Russell, two cats and two supersize French Lop rabbits at home
Dr Noel Fitzpatrick – the star of Channel 4’s The Supervet – (pictured) is currently reviewing Roo’s case
At just eight weeks old, Roo is too young to go outside and meet the rabbits.
Miss Salmon said when Roo finally goes out to play it will be ‘quite a sight’ because the rabbits will ‘dwarf’ the young pup.
After her injections, Roo’s first outing will be for a charity event at Lauren’s workplace.
The care worker said: ‘She will probably be the star attraction.
‘Who would be able to walk by and resist her?’