Putnam, affectionately called “Putty,” is a 1-year-old Yorkie blend who has found his forever home with foster parents Dawn and Kevin after a long journey of recovery and love. Putty was rescued in March from a backyard breeder with over 200 dogs, suffering from birth defects that left him without hind paws and severe separation anxiety. Putty was welcomed into Dawn and Kevin’s home in April, where it quickly became apparent that he would need custom prosthetic boots to help him walk. In May, Putty began weekly therapy at the Florida Veterinarian Rehabilitation Center in Deland to prepare for the boots. By June, he was casted for the prosthetics, but a small setback occurred when a mass was discovered on his hind leg. Fortunately, the mass was benign, and surgery to remove it didn’t delay Putty’s recovery. August brought another huge achievement when Putty received his custom prosthetic boots. He adjusted quickly, enjoying running and playing with his foster brother, Bauer. However, in September, Putty faced another setback when he broke his leg, requiring surgery to insert hardware into his right hind leg. Dawn and Kevin had never planned to adopt the independent and mischievous Yorkie blend, but after months of caring for him, they couldn’t imagine life without him. The time felt right to make Putty a permanent part of their family, especially after all they had gone through together. Dawn and Kevin have over 30 years of experience in dog rescue. Their large, fenced yard offers a safe space for Putty and Bauer to play. Putty’s journey, filled with challenges and setbacks, has transformed him into a symbol of resilience and joy in Dawn and Kevin’s home. His adoption marked the beginning of a new chapter, where he can continue to thrive surrounded by love and care. Welcome home, Putty!