To the casual observer, Chuck the German shepherd looks like any other dog.
He lives with his large extended family at the Funny Farm Rescue animal sanctuary in New Jersey, where he spends time with horses, goats, pigs, turkeys, and many more farm and domestic animals, as well as his human and Funny Farm founder, Laurie Zaleski.
However, Chuck has a medical condition known as megaesophagus, which is exactly what it sounds like: Chuck's esophagus is far too large in his body, and it cannot contract to guide food down to his stomach the way esophaguses normally do.
That means that if Chuck tries to eat while on all fours, like a typical dog, the food won't reach his stomach and he'll vomit. The condition is found in dogs, and is especially prevalent in German shepherds.
Zaleski's friend bought Chuck from a breeder, and on learning of the condition, planned to leave him at a shelter, but Zaleski knew that a dog with a serious condition like megaesophagus faced euthanasia.
So Zaleski did what she does best: she rescued him. And like the sheepdog that got a bionic leg to walk and play again, Chuck got the care he needed to manage his condition.
Read on to see the adorable way Zaleski cares for Chuck, and how with a little love, a dog can thrive no matter what!
[H/T: The Dodo]
This is Chuck. He's a German shepherd and "director of security" at Funny Farm Rescue, an animal sanctuary that takes in farm animals that can no longer be cared for at their original homes.
Founder Laurie Zaleski adopted him when he was about 2 months old, after a friend could no longer keep him.
Why? Because Chuck has megaesophagus, which means he has to be upright while eating, otherwise he'll vomit.
Zaleski, though, was ready for the challenge, and began training him to eat upright, starting in this car seat.
But he soon outgrew the car seat.
Now, Chuck uses a wooden crate known as a Bailey chair, which keeps him upright while he eats.
Chuck's megaesophagus is very severe, so surgery isn't an option for him. But he has no problem putting away three bowls of his specially formulated food!
Today, Chuck is about 3 years old, and despite his condition, he's living large at the farm, and getting the love he needs.
Around the farm, you'd never know about his condition.
Here's Chuck hanging out with Farley, the "manager" of the farm.
There's always something interesting happening on the farm, which is full of all kinds of animals.
Chuck likes the water, and enjoys taking a dip in the kiddie pool.
And sometimes he ventures into the big pool, too.
He keeps an eye on his fellow residents.
At least, when he's not napping.
And he knows that sometimes the unexpected happens, like having a bale of hay accidentally spill all over you. Oops!
But he takes it in stride.
Although it looks like a cage if you didn't know, Chuck is all about his Bailey chair. Because it means food is coming!
And after eating, Chuck will even take a snooze right in the chair!
You can learn more about Zaleski, Chuck, and everyone else at the Funny Farm on their website, as well as on Facebook.
And if you'd like more animals to find a peaceful forever home and get the care they need, consider donating to the sanctuary, too.
And SHARE Chuck's story of resilience with your friends!
