No two dogs look exactly alike! Some have short, straight hair. Others rock long, curly locks. Some canines have polka dots or faint stripes while other dogs have a solid-colored coat. Every dog has something unique about them, whether it be the pattern of their coat or the distinct shape of their tail.
Mac’s Mission dog rescue has seen many different-looking canines throughout their years rescuing dogs. After all, they specialize in saving dogs with special needs. However, they came across a dog that completely stood out from the rest: a puppy born with a tail on their forehead! Regardless of his difference, the dog rescue team took in the little guy, saving him from the dangers of the freezing temperatures in a rural part of Missouri.
“This puppy has a TAIL COMING OUT OF HIS FOREHEAD [that doesn’t wag] and a foot injury of some sort,” said Mac’s Mission shortly after the puppy’s rescue on November 8, 2019.
Due to his adorable forehead tail, the rescue team decided to name him “Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn,” or simply Narwhal for short.
Right away, the puppy’s photos posted online went viral at the speed of light. Many people began to refer to him as Unicorn Puppy. Other people said the tail on his head reminded them of Clark Kent’s hair swoosh!
Although many thought his second tail was absolutely adorable, his rescuers decided to take him to the Cape Small Animal Clinic to get it checked out just to be on the safe side.
Fortunately, it seems that Narwhal has a fairly clean bill of health.
“The unicorn face tail does not bother Narwhal and he never slows down just like any normal puppy. He seems completely healthy other than some usual puppy worms he got meds for. He is not available for adoption immediately as we want him to grow a bit more and truly make sure the tail doesn’t become a bother or problem. Right now he is pretty much the most unique amazing example of what we do here and we are so thankful to have the chance to be part of his journey. Thank you everyone for helping us help them!”
Dr. Heuring, who examined the puppy, said that removing the tail wasn’t necessary.
“[Narwhal] was examined by our vet and had xrays done and he does not believe there are any problems with leaving it there. As we learned with Bumble [eds. another dog they cared for] sometimes there are other genetic factors in cases like these so we are being super cautious and want to ensure he has everything he needs. We will do whatever is best for our little Narwhal.”
Although after examinations, it appears that his extra tail is harmless, Margret Casal, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine thinks she might have an answer: his second tail might be a parasitic twin!
Regardless of “what” Narwhal’s misplaced tail is and how it got there, one thing is for sure: he’s a cutie pie!
Be sure to say hi to Narwhal below! And if you would like to help other animals like Narwhal, please visit Mac’s Misson on Facebook or their website.
