Shelter Dog With An Extremely Rare Condition Is Looking For Her A Forever Home
Life didn’t deal Bella the best hand, but that didn’t stop this sweet pup from winning hearts.
When Bella arrived at the Wisconsin Humane Society, no one could believe their eyes.
The six-month-old puppy was happy, playful, and full of energy—but she was also one-of-a-kind.
Bella has a rare condition called dimelia, something the shelter had never seen before.
Wait… Five Legs?
Most people have heard of dogs losing a leg or two due to accidents or health issues. But Bella’s case was different.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
She was born with extra bones in her back leg—enough to be considered a fifth leg. Her X-rays showed something that left the entire shelter staff stunned.
Her right hind leg had an extra femur, two tibias, two fibulas, and nine toes on one paw! That’s something even lifelong veterinarians had never come across.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“X-rays of the affected leg revealed that Bella appears to have an extra femur, two tibias, two fibulas, and nine toes on her rear paw,” the shelter posted on Facebook. “It is the first-ever case of dimelia we’ve seen in our organization’s history.”
Despite how unusual it sounds, the good news is that Bella’s condition doesn’t slow her down.
She Loves Life, Just As She Is
Bella doesn’t let her extra leg get in the way of being a happy, bouncy puppy. She runs, plays, and loves her daily walks just like any other dog.
Source: Wisconsin Humane Society
In fact, she doesn’t seem to notice anything different about herself—and most of the time, people don’t either, until they take a closer look.
Still, Bella’s future family needs to be extra thoughtful. Right now, she’s doing great. But as she gets older, her leg could cause mobility issues or joint pain.
Some dogs with dimelia may eventually need surgery, like an amputation, if the extra bones create problems.
A Special Dog Needs A Special Home
Everyone at the Kenosha Campus believes Bella will find her forever home. But they also know that she’ll need someone truly ready for the journey.
Adopting a dog like Bella means being prepared for the long-term—vet visits, possible treatments, and giving her all the care she may need down the road.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
It’s not just about how cute or unique she is. Bella needs someone who understands that adoption is a promise, not just a feel-good decision.
She deserves love, security, and a family who will stick with her no matter what comes next.
So while Bella may have drawn a rare hand in life, she’s playing it with all the heart in the world. Now, all she needs is the perfect human to play it with.
