One of IHOP’s adoptive parents’ favorite characteristics about her is the fact that she was born without two legs. But her biological parents were indeed considering putting her to death. When Duke and Steph were asked to take in IHOP, who was also born as the runt of her litter, they didn’t think twice. “We could see IHOP had a big personality right away. IHOP’s mother Steph told The Dodo, “From the moment she played with the first small toy, she was up on her hind legs throwing it around.
IHOP is a mouthy and feisty doggo, which gives her a vivid personality. IHOP was settling into her new foster home nicely, but she was still learning how to move about on two legs. Steph and Duke concluded that IHOP would fare better with a canine companion who might maybe teach her how to navigate. Millie was introduced to IHOP, but there was no chemistry between them. IHOP was also made aware of her “little differentness” from other dogs because of their relationship. So, that wasn’t exactly a success. But later, IHOP and Waffles met.
A Great Dane named Waffles was saved when he was just 10 weeks old. She had an irreversible spinal injury that cost her the use of her legs. She also has two distinct eye colors. We rushed her to the emergency vet, who urged us to take her home and give her a full night’s rest before bringing her back in to cross the bridge. According to Steph and Duke’s Instagram page The Powerful Rescue, “they felt she had no quality of life to look forward to, and caring for a paraplegic Great Dane was simply not doable.
Waffles would be looked for by Steph and Duke until she lost her quality of life.
“IHOP and Waffles then met. The moment the two connected, we saw Waffles move her legs for the first time. Once we saw it, the match was on! ” Although Waffles is significantly bigger than IHOP, the two became fast friends when they first met. It seemed as if IHOP had embraced Waffles, Steph said. It seemed as if they were old buddies. IHOP, according to Steph, is the reason Waffles is mobile; both IHOP and Waffles were aware that they were “in the same boat” or “a bit different, but exceptional.”
When Waffles first tested out her wheelchair, she was afraid, but as soon as IHOP joined her outdoors, she began to ride the wheelchair correctly and run after her friend. Many individuals wanted to adopt IHOP, but Steph and Duke were aware that they couldn’t separate the woman from Waffles. The pair claims that there is no doubting how the quality of life at both IHOP and Waffles has improved as a result of their relationship and mutual encouragement. The quality of life for the couple has also improved. “These two were brought together and into our lives for a purpose, and we are strong believers in things occurring for a reason.