This adorable pup may have been born without a lower half, but that doesn't stop him from capturing the hearts of the world.
Bonsai Bulldog, from Fort Worth, Texas, has followers from all over the world because of his unparalleled enthusiasm and passion for life.
The six-month-old pup was born with multiple uncommon deformities, leaving him with only half of his spine, no pelvis and tiny hind legs.
When he was still just a puppy, he had to undergo an amputation of his back legs, but that didn't slow him down.
He suffers from multiple conditions, including a human disease known as sacral agenesis (caudal regression syndrome) and sacral dysgenesis – presumably combined with a form of spina bifida.
Additionally, Bonsai was born a Walrus Puppy, which means he was full of fluid, combined with lack of movement of his hind limbs, which led to him developing swimmer's syndrome.
Swimmer syndrome is a disorder in which a newborn puppy's chest grows dangerously flat and its working legs spread out to the sides, putting pressure on internal organs, Bonsai owner Elizabeth Hart wrote on his fundraising page.
It can be cured with time and treatment but there is no solution to Bonsai's spinal and pelvic deformity, which is the reason for the amputation of its back legs.
Your bonsai will require several in-depth examinations of its internal anatomy to help manage its condition, including an expensive MRI scan and other complex imaging treatments.
Ms. Hart wrote on the page that they have not yet identified a single documented case of the exact bonsai conditions being found in any other living mammal.
The next stage for Bonsai is to get a set of specially made wheels to replace his hind legs and allow him to walk.
“Bonsai has come a long way!” Today he is six months old and we are very proud of his courage and fighting spirit.
“He is a source of joy, optimistic perspective, compassion and a funny sense of humor to people who follow his path.”
As far as we know, there is no precedence for providing any type of "diagnosis" or outcome for your bonsai, so we will take it day by day and deal with any concerns that arise as best we can.