Lydia was born with a vascular disease called FAVA which caused her terrible pain and limited her movement. When she was just 8-years-old she made the decision to have her lower left leg amputated to improve her quality of life.
The young girl then faced the challenge of adjusting to a prosthesis. Her determination helped her push through every obstacle she faced along the way.
She ran into an issue a year after her surgery where an inflamed nerve prevented her from being able to wear the prosthesis.
This caused her to struggle emotionally in all aspects of her daily life, including at school.
That's when her parents decided to give her some inspiration for her journey.
Lydia's mom started to call different shelters in Utah, looking for a dog that could help her daughter through this tough time. After months of searching, she found the perfect dog to motivate her daughter.
Clover had been found wandering the streets alone. They speculated that she had been hit by a car and one of her front legs had been badly hurt. After the vet examined her, they realized there was no way to save the pup's leg, so Clover had it amputated.
Luckily, Clover adjusted well to life with three legs so Lydia's mom knew she would be the perfect role model for her daughter.
Lydia's family adopted Clover, and brought her home to surprise their daughter.
"It took a while for it to really set in that she actually had a dog," Mary Petrucka, Lydia's sister said. "She kind of just stood there shocked as Clover hopped towards her!"
After the initial shock of the new addition, Lydia and Clover bonded and have been inseparable ever since.
Now, with the help of Clover, Lydia is much happier ad more confident in herself. Since Clover doesn't let the fact that she is missing a leg hold her back, Lydia doesn't either, and together they are showing the world they can still run.
"Clover is just the sweetest dog in the whole world," Petrucka said. "If you let her, she will just lick and lick and cuddle you the entire day. She is a little timid; it seems like she might have been abused because when you move too quickly around her, she always flinches away, but she is still so trusting. She loves anyone and everyone who will pet her."
What I found last night. ❤ All tucked in! Complete Bliss! Studies have shown that having a dog to cuddle with while falling asleep improves stress & anxiety, and we have definitely witnessed that with Lydia!
Posted by Lydia and Clover Amputee Style on Thursday, December 8, 2016
"Clover has seriously been such a help to Lydia," Petrucka said. "When Lydia cries, Clover will go up to her and lick away her tears. Lydia has someone that understands what she has gone through, so it helps so much when she is feeling down. Clover has just the sweetest temperament; it is hard to stay sad around her!"
We are so glad Lydia and Clover found each other!
