'Unicorn puppy' with tail on his head thriving after rescue from freezing cold

12 December 2023 , 11:08

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The 'unicorn' puppy was abandoned in the freezing cold (Image: PA)

An adorable puppy who was found abandoned in the freezing cold, and dubbed the Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn, is living his best life four years after being rescued by an animal rescue mission.

The 'unicorn' puppy, who has a tail growing from the middle of his forehead, became an internet superstar when a video went viral in 2019 after he was tragically abandoned and left in the "freezing cold". Rescue organisation Mac's Mission, based in Missouri, found the sweet pup, who also had a leg injury, on the street along with another older dog and took them both under its wing.

Staff dubbed the adorable pooch Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn, and he quickly gained fans across the world, whose hearts melted after photos and videos were uploaded on Facebook. However, not everyone was kind.

The animal shelter named the dog Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn (Mac's Mission)

He melted hearts around the world (Mac's Mission)

Alarmingly, some people were hostile to the adorable pup and even tried to break into the shelter to kill him. Rochelle Steffen, the founder of the shelter, explained that some even considered him to be an "abomination".

The shelter kept a strict security watch on Narwhal to keep the puppy safe, before Rochelle, who had fallen hard for the dog, adopted him herself. And sharing an update in December 2022, Rochelle said he was "thriving and had become the mission's spokesdog.

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Speaking to FOX 35, Rochelle added: "He is rotten happy. And loves his big backyard and his sisters, Sonder and Asis." He is now a happy, curious and friendly four-year-old dog.

Providing an update to Nine.com.au in 2023, Rochelle shared: "He also absolutely loves to be outside. I think that is because he is part beagle. He loves to inspect the yard and run around and lay around in the grass or if there is sunshine."

Rochelle Steffen decided to keep the pup (Mac's Mission)

Rochelle explained that the pooch, who was named after the species of whale. best known for its tusks protruding from their heads, is "pretty much the sweetest guy ever," and despite "hating" car rides, he loves going to events with the owner.

He still has the unusual tail between his eyes because there's no medical reason to remove it - but back in 2019 the rescue centre answered the question on everyone's lips - it doesn't wag when he's excited.

The puppy has a tail growing from his head (Facebook/Mac the Pitbull)

After being rescued, the pup was taken to the vet to try to find out why there was a tail connected to his face. They shared: "The extra tail is not connected to anything and has no real use other than making him the COOLEST PUPPY EVER! One of our followers said 'It appears they assembled the puppy wrong. Always follow the directions, people!' This is a true experience of having 'extra parts' during assembly.

"Dr. Heuring said there is no real reason at this time for the unicorn tail to be removed (and we all wish it wagged). Pretty sure the staff at Cape Small also gushed all over this little nugget! The unicorn face tail does not bother Narwhal and he never slows down just like any normal puppy."

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz