On July 4, 2008, our Lucy had a litter of 9 beautiful puppies. 6 boys, and 3 girls. One of those girls was Clover, affectionately named by my kids for the good luck that she made it at all.

Clover was born with the umbilical cord wrapped tightly around her front, right leg which resulted in the stunting of proper growth and development from the pastern down.

I had brought two baskets for transporting the pups home after the delivery which had been set up with heating pads, warming bags and blankets. We ended up fitting them all comfortably together in one, but when I was checking on Lucy, my vet began going over the pups. When I came over, she had set Clover aside in the empty basket, alone, and away from the warmth of her littermates. She had already made the decision that she should be euthanized, claiming that her chances for quality of life were minimal at best, and encouraged euthanasia.

Ending a life is not a decision to be made in the spur of the moment, without knowing all there is to know about the condition behind the suggestion. What I did know, was that I'd seen many 3 legged dogs that get around just fine, and that this puppy deserved a chance to live.

The day she was born I was told that Clovers leg would most likely become infected and begin to "die" forcing amputation, and that if that didn't happen, and she were able to keep the leg, that it would never develop pads, fur, normal feeling or function etc, and that the rest of her body wouldn't be able to compensate for the missing limb, causing her other joints to suffer in the way of torn crutiates, and shoulder injuries. After listening to this very negative prognosis, I ultimately decided that whatever could be done for her, would be, and we took her home fully prepared to do what was necessary to give her a good life. 

The changes in Clover's leg during her first week of life were remarkable. The leg grew considerably, and In just 4 days, she had grown the last two toenails that hadn't developed before her birth. She had peach fuzz starting to show between what was beginning to look like distinct pads, and she had one heck of an appetite! When Clover turned 10 days old, we took her to The Care Center in Calgary to see an

Orthopedic Specialist for a better idea of what to expect. Armed with pictures of her leg at birth, the Doctor was very pleased with her progress! She was a content, healthy puppy and growing beautifully. He wanted to see her again at 12wks of age for a more in depth examination and to take x-rays when the bones were sufficiently calcified to do so.

 Clover was growing into a fun loving clown who was easily the spunkiest of her litter! She was a rambunctious, rowdy puppy ready to take on the world and had no troubles whatsoever keeping up to the pack. Her ever optimistic attitude was apparent at a very young age. Our whole family was completely smitten with her antics.

 
A close friend of ours, Jacquie, had also fallen in love with our sweet girl and wanted Clover to join her family. Jacquie had been following Clover's development and would always check in for updates, even taking the time to come with me for that initial appointment with the Ortho vet when she was only 10 days old. There wasn't any doubt that Jacquie would see to it that Clover would receive the best of everything to ensure her special needs were met. In September, Clover went home with her new mom and big sister Carmel, and brothers Wyatt and Ace.

Jacquie took Clover to the Canine Fitness Center, for help and guidance to ensure healthy, safe development of her leg, while caring for the added strain caused to the rest of the joints and muscles. They helped with leg supports to manipulate proper growth in her leg, and to teach Clover how to use the limb efficiently, which she now does! She tried her hand at water therapy and has the best nutritional supplements to assist with healthy bone development.

To say the love and care she receives on a daily basis is phenomenal falls short to truly describe the dedication Jacquie has for her well being. Clover has thrived beyond what any of us expected or could have hoped for. Clover just loves life. She starts every day with such a happy, positive attitude that is inspirational to us all. Feeling sorry for herself has never been an option for our girl.

We are exceedingly grateful to Jacquie for the over the top care she gives both of her Fortress babies.

CLOVER UPDATE -

 Clover is over 2yrs old now, and in phenomenal shape!

This girly is a real live wire, and lives and plays hard! She can outrun most dogs, and much to her moms dismay, most vehicles that go past the house! Lol! She races them along the fence line!

There is still some extra care needed to keep her paw bandaged so she doesn't bang it. It's a delicate skin on her foot, and limited hair & pad, so it's more sensitive to the elements. She has amazing muscle development in her left shoulder from compensating for the right, and just doesn't seem bothered in the slightest by her disability.

Everyone loves Clover...she was (I’m sure) Lucy’s favourite, and the one she snuggled with the most, my family gravitated to her, and now she’s adored by her mom, Jacquie. I don’t believe it’s because of pity or sympathy for a second! It’s her “in your face, live each moment to the fullest” attitude that she just won’t let you ignore that pulls people in.

I'm going to take video of Clover running and playing with other dogs etc so everyone can see her in action. I think people need to see that Mastiffs can adapt to this sort of injury. Especially when it occurs at a young age. Clover has never known anything else, and so she has no idea that there is anything "wrong" with her. And honestly, there's not! She is absolutely perfect! :o)