Rae, a 12-week-old golden retriever with one ear, is going viral on social media because of her unique and adorable “unicorn” look.
Veterinarians suspect that Rae’s mom accidentally bit one of the puppy’s ears off while trying to tear her amniotic sac. Critically injured, the newborn was rushed to Family Friend Veterinary Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., where she received emergency surgery.
Staff questioned whether or not Rae would survive, but she miraculously pulled through.
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The surgery left Rae’s remaining ear in an unusual place.
“We’re assuming because of the sutures is why the ear migrated to the top of her head,” hospital receptionist Brianna Vorhees explained.
Before leaving the hospital, everyone called the dog “unicorn,” and her unique ‘horn’ inspired her new moniker, which is the word “ear” spelled backwards.
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Vorhees fell in love with Rae at first sight and gave her a forever home.
“I lost my precious golden retriever Loki to lymphoma last year at four years old, so I had a heart for golden retrievers to begin with,” she told CNN. “Breeders surrender [puppies] to vet techs often, if they can’t take care of them full-time. I said if a golden retriever ever comes in, I’m going to want to take care of [him or her].”
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Vorhees documents Rae’s adventures for her nearly 200,000 adoring Instagram followers.
“She’s actually the one who saved me,” the pup’s guardian said. “I could focus on her to take care of her, to love and get love back, and she was that for me … and that’s why she means so much to me.”
