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There’s nothing sweeter than the bond between a boy and his dog. A good pet can change a kid’s life, providing a loving and loyal friend and playmate.

But one boy and his new puppy have an especially strong bond, as they share something remarkable in common.

Marvel is a golden retriever puppy born with a unique difference: she was born missing her right front paw.

While many people would not want a differently-abled pet like her, Marvel’s breeder knew that there would be someone special out there who would see her beauty — perhaps someone going through the same thing.

“We wanted her to go in a home with someone who had a limb difference,” Barb Felt of Rolling Oaks Goldens told WCCO.

It turned out, there was someone nearby who was the perfect candidate to adopt Marvel.

Paxton Williams, a 7-year-old boy from Waconia, Minnesota, was born premature and had an infection in his leg. Three years ago, doctors amputated his foot and replaced it with a prosthetic so he would be able to walk more easily.

When the family heard about the three-pawed puppy in need of a good home, they knew it was meant to be.

Marvel was brought home, and while all the kids loved the new puppy, she and Paxton formed an extra special bond. The young boy immediately recognized their shared difference.

“It’s like they knew they were special,” Paxton’s father Blaine Williams told WCCO.

Paxton and Marvel are both missing limbs, but more importantly neither are letting it slow them down.

The two will often run around and play together; their strides may look a little different but they look like they don’t have a care in the world.

And having a puppy just like him has helped Paxton embrace his own differences.

“It gives him the opportunity to tell the kids, ‘Oh she’s missing a paw, she’s like me,’ and like it gives him that voice, too, to advocate for himself,” his mother Stephanie said.

What an adorable friendship. It’s so heartwarming that these two found each other and have formed such a great bond.

It’s amazing how a good dog can change a kid’s life. Share this incredible story!

Originally seen on g21-ltc

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.