'Unicorn puppy' to stay with rescuers
A US dog who was dubbed the unicorn puppy because of tail-like growth between his eyes will remain with the founder of a rescue group despite more than 300 offers to adopt him.
The beagle-mix puppy, named Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn, was rescued in November by Mac's Mission in southeast Missouri.
He drew international attention when his picture hit social media, prompting all the adoption offers but also some negative attention, including death threats, said Rochelle Steffen, founder of the Mac's Mission in Jackson.
There has been a flood of offers to adopt Narwhal but rescuers have decided to keep him. Facebook
Those two factors - plus the dog's winning personality - convinced Steffen to reverse an earlier decision to find a new home for Narwhal, she told The Southeast Missourian.
She said her tiny rescue could not properly vet the 300 adoption applicants and she was concerned by "stupid, ugly comments (online) about this sweet little puppy".
The tail does not bother Narwhal, but vets are keeping an eye on him anyway. Facebook
People have shown up at the rescue in Jackson because of the dog, prompting security measures and meetings "by appointment only", Steffen said. Narwhal is watched at all times by Steffen and trusted volunteers.
Steffen said she wanted to keep the dog safe and was concerned he could be exploited by someone without his best interests at heart.
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