05/31/2026
TONGS NEEDS A VERY SPECIAL KIND OF ADOPTER.
And honestly, that feels pretty on-brand for us because somehow the tricky ones always find their way here.
Tongs is a tiny Maltese mix puppy with a giant personality, a ridiculous amount of love to give, and back legs that are… complicated.
He has severe luxating patellas in both hind legs, and the upper parts of his legs have an awkward bend, which means his kneecaps do not stay where they are supposed to. In normal-human words: his little back legs do not work correctly, and his future is still a medical question mark.
Right now, we are in a holding pattern at the advice of two different orthopedic veterinarian specialty offices. Mizzou's entire ortho dept weighed in and explained how complex his case is and that this is not a cut and dry kinda case. Our specialty lately it seems is super complex cases!!
We have to wait a few more months for his growth plates to close before our orthopedic surgeon can attempt leg-straightening surgery. Once surgery begins, the surgeon will be able to determine if his legs can truly be corrected, or if the kindest, best-quality-of-life option will be a double rear leg amputation and a cart.
That sounds terrifying to read. We know.
But we also know something else.
We have had double amputee dogs, a few of them, live incredibly happy, full, wild, joyful, zoomy little lives. Dogs do not sit around mourning the legs they do not have. They adjust. They adapt. They fly forward with whatever equipment, wheels, muscles, or pure audacity they have available.
And Tongs?
Tongs already has the audacity.
He is playful. Gentle. Loving. Funny. Go with the flow kinda boy! A little hand-nibbly because he is still a puppy. He loves attention, gives kisses, wants to be near his person, follows you around, and loves being held. He gets around best on flat surfaces right now, but his heart is already sprinting.
Here is what we are looking for:
We need an adopter who understands that Tongs is not a “wait until everything is perfect” kind of dog. He needs a home now with someone who can love him through the unknown.
His adopter would take him home, love him, raise him, and then bring him back to our vet/surgeon when the time comes for the next medical step. They must be prepared for recovery after surgery, whether that means repaired legs or life as a double amputee.
If he needs a cart, we will provide it.
If he needs guidance, we will help.
If he needs people brave enough to say yes before the ending is written, that is where you come in.
Tongs is one of those complex little medical goblins that Mac’s Mission was built for. He is not broken. He is not sad. He is not less.
He is just unfinished.
And somewhere out there is the person who will look at him and say,
“I don’t need easy. I need him.”
Apply to adopt Tongs:
macsmission.org/adopt
Because sometimes rescue is not about waiting for a miracle.
Sometimes it is about becoming part of one. 🖤
