Keno is winning hearts and turning heads.
The fluffy white pup was recently surrendered to a New Jersey shelter in “horrible condition” with three other dogs, according to Kristen Peralta, the executive director of Vintage Pet Rescue.
“All the dogs were heavily matted and covered in fleas and feces. They couldn’t see and could barely walk,” Peralta tells PEOPLE of the neglect Keno endured before his rescue.
A volunteer with the New Jersey shelter contacted Peralta about transferring Keno to Vintage Pet Rescue — a Rhode Island-based rescue specializing in helping senior dogs and pets with special needs — after noticing the dog could benefit from some extra attention.
“Once he was bathed and groomed, the shelter knew that Keno was different. His back legs were definitely not ‘normal,’ and he would regularly walk on his front legs— almost a handstand,” Peralta explains.
A veterinary exam and X-rays revealed that Keno had several abnormalities in his knees and hips, which likely led the dog to develop a unique way of walking that worked for him.
Peralta agreed to move Keno into Vintage Pet Rescue and knew about the dog’s preference for walking on his front paws before he arrived, but the pup’s unusual gait still left her “speechless.”
“Everyone who has seen him walk is left speechless. We’ve never seen anything like this, and it’s shocking, impressive, and sad all at the same time. Before he came to us, I had seen videos, but seeing it in person was truly shocking,” Peralta shares.
Luckily, Keno’s rescuers believe the dog’s abnormalities and front-pawed walking don’t cause him any pain. The abnormalities are likely birth defects that Keno has adapted to over time, according to Vintage Pet Rescue.
“We believe that this is a congenital condition that he’s had his whole life. It wasn’t due to injury or neglect. Thankfully, we don’t think he’s in any pain, and it’s just normal for him,” Peralta explains.
Vintage Pet Rescue is exploring if Keno would be a good candidate for a canine wheelchair, which could allow the dog to take some pressure off his front paws. Still, the nonprofit isn’t forcing any changes on the dog since Keno is “very comfortable right now, and he can move around freely and easily.”
According to his caretakers, Keno is also a delight to have around. They describe the pup as “extremely sweet” with “the most soulful puppy eyes we’ve ever seen.”
“He’s also so, so happy, playful, and easy-going. He doesn’t play with toys yet, but he is playful with people and enjoys eating and walking,” Peralta says.
In fact, Keno has been so charming during his brief time at Vintage Pet Rescue that he has already found a forever home.
“Our vet fell in love with Keno when she met him, and she’ll welcome him to her family in a few weeks!” Peralta says of the happy news.
The rescue director hopes Keno’s story and perseverance in the face of numerous challenges inspire animal lovers “to consider adopting an animal who may be a little different. Or encourage them to adopt any animal. Rescues and shelters are full of amazing animals, and they all need homes.”
