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5-Legged Pup Saved From Freak Show

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2009 8:21 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A good-hearted pet lover paid $4,000 to outbid a Coney Island operator to save a five-legged puppy from life in a freak show, reports the New York Daily News. North Carolinian Allyson Siegel, 45, called the owner of the Chihuahua terrier mix when she learned the puppy would be cooped up to entertain gawkers. "She is beautiful. She's not a freak, she's a normal little puppy dog and she should be just like all the others," said Siegel.

The owner agreed to sell the pup to Siegel after some prompting from his girlfriend. Siegel has named the little dog Lily and has arranged surgery this week to remove its extra leg, which protrudes from Lily's stomach. The Coney Island operator insists he treats his animal freaks, including a two-headed cow, with "respect."

Allyson Siegel of Charlotte, N.C. cuddles her new five-legged puppy, Lily, after outbidding a Coney Island freak show for the little dog.
Allyson Siegel of Charlotte, N.C. cuddles her new five-legged puppy, Lily, after outbidding a Coney Island freak show for the little dog.   (AP Photo/The Charlotte Observer, Jeff Siner)
Five-legged Chihuahua terrier mix Lily is home with his new owner instead of heading to a Coney Island freak show.
Five-legged Chihuahua terrier mix Lily is home with his new owner instead of heading to a Coney Island freak show.   (AP Photo/The Charlotte Observer, Jeff Siner)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Mad
Jul 19, 2009 5:40 AM CDT
Yes, lets all strive to be exactly alike, and shame anyone that is different [/sarcasm] Wishing to see deviation and mutation in nature is not a 'freaky' desire, and besides, it's not like they were going to pelt the puppy with popcorn or anything. Sheesh
schmidtkoff
Jul 19, 2009 4:07 AM CDT
it is. but any way to make a buck. sad.
keybored
Jul 19, 2009 2:52 AM CDT
Yes, a big thumbs up from me too -- they did an awesome thing. I hope that dog has a long, happy and healthy life! PS: I didn't realize that they still had animal freakshows -- it is 2009, isn't it????
US • Science

 
New York City • Coney Island • puppy • Man's best friend • dog • pet owners • freak show • Allyson Siegel

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