Get ready to hear a touching story about a boy and his dog that will steal your heart. Meet Marvel, the golden retriever puppy from Litchfield, Minnesota, who was born without his right front paw.
Former Marvel owner and Rolling Oaks Goldens breeder Barb Felt told WCCO News, “When she was born, we knew right away that she had a special destiny. Heard from someone with different limbs.”
According to the WCCO, felt was introduced to the Williams family in nearby Waconia by an occupational therapist who happened to work with 7-year-old Paxton Williams.
When Paxton was only 4 years old, his foot was amputated due to an infection that restricted the growth of the leg. After the surgery, Paxton’s parents decided to put him on a prosthetic leg, allowing him to lead a more independent lifestyle.
After hearing Paxton’s story, Felt knew the boy would be the “perfect partner” for Marvel. Paxton’s father, Blaine Williams, said that after a week at Marvel in their forever home, “Paxton has already taken her on a lot of walks along the trails near their home.”
He told WCCO, “The emotion that was flowing through me was amazing because I knew it was in the perfect place at the perfect time.”
Paxton’s mother Stephanie added that she had noticed a change in the way he told friends and family about his physical differences, which sparked more discussion about his condition.
In the video, Paxton can be heard asking his parents, “Can we really keep her forever?” followed by “She loves me!”
There is no doubt that the special bond between the two will continue to grow. For now, the hope is that Paxton could one day walk with his prosthetic leg and Marvel could walk alongside him — possibly using his own claws or a wheelchair, WCCO said.
