A WHITE German Shepard puppy named Lt. Dan from South Carolina, in the U.S., born without his paw now has a new friend who understands his unique struggle.

    On Monday, the 9-week-old puppy was given to 3-year-old Sapphyre Johnson who is missing both of her feet. “He’s just like me!” the toddler exclaimed with joy the first time she ever saw a photo of Lt. Dan.

    The dog’s original owner Karen Riddle said that Lt. Dan, who was born with eight other puppies in a litter, was almost put to sleep.

    Greenville Online reports that the puppy was named after a character in the film “Forest Gump” who lost both of his legs.

    Despite the breeder’s suggestion to end the dog’s life, Riddle wanted to find Lt. Dan a home for someone with special needs.

    Because her father was a Shriner she called Shriners Hospital to see if there was a special needs child or wounded veteran who might want a pet in their home.

    Sapphyre, who is from Tennessee, has been in the hospital ever since she was just 3-months-old.

    “When I was seven months pregnant, they did an ultra sound and told us she may be missing some fingers and toes,” said Sapphyre’s mother, Ashley Johnson.

    Shriners gives prosthetics and orthopedic services to children under 18 no matter what their families’ incomes are.

    “She had just two really long toes on each foot. And when she was 1, we had them amputated so she could be fitted for prosthetics,” said Sapphyre’s mother.

    Shriners even offered to make a prosthetic leg for Lt. Dan when he grows large enough.

    (SD-Agencies)