French Bulldog With Special Needs is Fighting for His Life and Stealing Heart Along the Way

Herbie looks like your average French bulldog puppy, except he was born with hydrocephalus — a condition that causes fluid to accumulate in his brain. This condition keeps the little guy from being able to walk, run, and play like a normal puppy. But, thanks to the help of his caretakers, he is working hard at recovering!

Herbie was rescued by a Los Angeles bulldog rescue group, Road Dogs & Rescue, details Huffington Post. They have recently put Herbie in physical therapy at Two Hands Four Paws so he can learn how to walk. Currently he is on medication to help reduce the fluid buildup in his brain, but he will likely need a brain shunt once he is old enough for surgery.

“He is a sweet, playful puppy,” said Nikki Carvey who runs Road Dogs & Rescue. “He wants to run around but because he hasn’t been able to stand or walk, he scoots himself along his side.”

Anyone who owns a puppy knows that it is nearly impossible for them to stand still, so it’s great to hear that Herbie wants to be active! His caregivers hope that after his surgery, he’ll start to make even better progress toward standing and walking. He could even become available for adoption!

“I wanted to give Herbie a chance because when you meet him, you can see he has a feisty spirit,” Carvey said.

Has Herbie stolen your heart? Check out your local animal shelter to adopt one of the hundreds of pets waiting for their fur-ever homes.