Ivy McLeod, a two-year-old from Vancouver, British Columbia, is like any other child — full of laughter, curiosity, and endless wonder. Her favorite hobby is coloring. But Ivy does it in an extraordinary way. Born without hands, she holds crayons and markers between her toes, pouring her creativity and determination into every scribble and swirl.

Her mother, Vanessa, watches in awe each day. She marvels at Ivy’s resilience, her natural ability to adapt, and her cheerful approach to every challenge. Yet Vanessa knows that one day, Ivy will notice the differences between herself and others. Questions will come — questions every parent of a child with a disability anticipates:

“Why am I different? Why don’t I have hands like the other kids?”

Vanessa wanted to be ready, not with sadness, but with love, strength, and a message that would stay with her daughter forever.
“I want Ivy to understand that being different is not something to hide,” Vanessa explained. “It’s something to celebrate — it’s what makes you unique and beautiful.”

That’s when Vanessa had an extraordinary idea:

Find a puppy with a similar disability, so Ivy could grow up alongside a companion reflecting her own experience. Her hope was simple but profound — that the little dog would teach Ivy that physical differences don’t make anyone less whole, and that love, joy, and worth are not tied to perfection.

Vanessa shared with People Magazine:
“I want Ivy to see, ‘I was born this way, and that’s wonderful. And this puppy was born that way too — and that’s wonderful as well.’”

Weeks passed as Vanessa searched shelters and breeders, unsure if she’d find a suitable dog. Then, as if by fate, she heard of a litter just a few streets away. Among the tiny pups was one missing a leg.

Vanessa could hardly believe it. “It felt like the universe had arranged it,” she said. “Like this puppy was meant to find us.”

The family named him Lucky — a name full of meaning beyond imagination.

The moment Ivy met Lucky, connection sparked instantly. She laughed as the three-legged pup wobbled toward her, tail wagging, eyes shining. Ivy opened her arms wide, and Lucky nestled into her embrace without hesitation. It was as if they had known each other forever. In that moment, a miracle happened — two souls who understood the beauty of difference found comfort in each other.

From that day on, they became inseparable. Ivy giggled as Lucky followed her everywhere. They explored, learned, and grew together. When she colored, Lucky often sat nearby, tilting his head as if following every stroke. When she stumbled, Lucky was there — steady, loyal, and full of love.

Vanessa realized that Lucky was more than a pet — he was a mirror, a teacher, and a reminder of all the lessons she wanted Ivy to carry: that difference does not mean less, and love can transform every struggle into strength.

“I love everything that makes her different,” Vanessa said proudly. “I want people to look at Ivy and think, ‘Wow, she’s amazing,’ not ‘Poor girl.’ Disabilities aren’t sad — they should be celebrated.”

Wherever Ivy and Lucky go, smiles follow. Strangers stop to ask about them, and Vanessa uses these moments to share messages of inclusion and acceptance. She hopes their story helps people see the beauty of diversity — not just in her daughter, but in themselves too.

Even though Ivy is too young to understand every lesson, she doesn’t need words to feel it. It exists in every hug, every laugh, every joyful moment with her furry best friend.

One day, when Ivy is older and asks why she was born this way, Vanessa will smile and point to Lucky. She’ll remind her daughter of all the adventures they shared, the laughter they brought each other, and the love that grew between them.

“See, sweetie? You and Lucky are alike — both born special. And being different doesn’t mean broken. It means unique.”

For Ivy and Lucky, the greatest lesson of life has begun — that beauty doesn’t come from what we lack, but from love, courage, and joy shining through who we are.

And somewhere in Vancouver, a little girl without hands and a three-legged puppy remind the world that sometimes, the most perfect love is the love that embraces imperfection.