By Kevin Smith
Take one look at these photos, and I challenge you not to fall in love. With a name like Ramen Noodle and a spirit so joyful, it’s hard not to be captivated by his charm. These beautiful images, captured by famed animal photographer Carli Davidson, tell the inspiring and touching story of Ramen Noodle, a dog who has overcome incredible odds.
A Unique Journey Begins
“These photos of Ramen Noodle are part of an ongoing project featuring differently-abled pets that I started in 2010,” says Davidson. “I began to wonder more about the lives of these animals and their owners. These are people who’ve opted to keep their animals alive, to change diapers, to buy apparatuses, to put in extra time, money, and effort to make their friends comfortable.”
Ramen Noodle’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the boundless love of their caregivers. Born with four legs, Ramen Noodle was likely a mill puppy, inbred to achieve his tiny size. When he was just eight months old, his first owner brought him to the vet with a broken arm. Tragically, the owner didn’t properly care for his injury, leading to severe complications. By the time the cast was checked nine weeks later, gangrene had nearly eaten away the arm. Ramen Noodle was listless and refused food. It was a wonder he survived.
Finding a New Home and Love
After weeks of intensive care, the clinic gave the owner an ultimatum: sign Ramen Noodle over to them or be reported to animal services. Jaime Salata Van Tassel, who had been his clinic caretaker, couldn’t bear to part with him. She had already been won over by Ramen while acting as his lead nurse and caring for him in her home.
“A second injury cost Ramen his other front leg,” recalls Jaime. “This time, he jumped off a chair and broke the bone. Again, one of the effects of inbreeding dogs for small size is weak bones, so his single teacup poodle arm broke so badly it could not be mended.” While Jaime was devastated, Ramen surprised everyone and bounced back. Three weeks later, he was learning to walk on two legs.
Living Life to the Fullest
Despite his challenges, Ramen Noodle adapted remarkably well. He gets around the house on his hind legs, running at full speed for toys and playing with other dogs. He is essentially unrestricted despite his lack of front arms. Like any young, happy dog, he loves attention and food.
“Ramen and Jaime show us that a dog can be just as happy as any other pet after an amputation,” Davidson reflects. Jaime provides a unique perspective as the owner of a pet with disabilities. “Once they’re healed and running, they never think twice about what happened to their arm,” she says. “That’s how it was with Ramen Noodle and any amputation I’ve seen. Once the animal gets through the pain and the medication and the understanding that they have to do things a little differently, it’s like it never happened.”
Celebrating Ramen Noodle’s Resilience
On Ramen Noodle’s birthday, Jaime and Ramen celebrate not just another year of his life but the incredible journey they’ve shared. It’s a day filled with joy, love, and gratitude for the remarkable spirit of a dog who has overcome so much. Ramen Noodle’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals and the profound impact of love and care.
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