This Three-Legged Great Pyrenees Has an Incredible Story — Now He Needs a Forever Home
April 10th is National Siblings Day, so it feels like the perfect time to share the story of two Great Pyrenees, Bernie and Atticus, whose paths crossed in the most unexpected way. It began in February 2024, when Bernie arrived at a municipal animal shelter in South Carolina with an uncertain future. Found severely injured and suffering, he was placed on the shelter’s euthanasia list. Fortunately, Bernie’s story didn’t end there.
Bernie the Great Pyrenees gets a second chance
Randy and Jenna, who operate Dog Squad—a 501(c)(3) dog rescue in Greenville, South Carolina—spotted Bernie while scanning the shelter’s intake list for dogs in urgent need of rescue. The large, gentle dog had multiple wounds and a fractured humerus that required immediate surgery.
The couple stepped in to save Bernie, pulling him from the shelter, arranging surgery, and fostering him through his recovery. A few months later, however, complications arose when his body began rejecting the metal hardware implanted in his leg. Veterinarians determined amputation was the safest, most compassionate option.
Through it all, Jenna and Randy grew deeply attached to Bernie—and what began as a temporary foster placement soon became permanent when they officially adopted him.
Bernie adapted beautifully to life as a tripod dog, maintaining his resilient personality and gentle nature.
Another injured Great Pyrenees enters the picture
Exactly one year after Bernie’s amputation surgery, Jenna and Randy were once again reviewing the municipal shelter’s list of dogs in need when a familiar-looking face appeared.
A Great Pyrenees named Atticus—nearly identical to Bernie—had been picked up with a severe leg infection and a missing paw. Like Bernie, Atticus was suffering and in urgent need of extensive medical care. Tragically, he too was placed on the shelter’s euthanasia list.
Dog Squad stepped in again. Atticus was taken to a veterinary specialist, where the full extent of his injury became clear: the infection had spread so far that amputation—the same leg Bernie had lost—was the only safe option.
After surgery, Atticus moved into a foster home to heal comfortably. Once he’d recovered enough, Jenna and Randy introduced him to Bernie, sensing that with such parallel journeys, the two dogs simply *had* to meet.
What happened next surprised everyone. Bernie isn’t typically fond of large male dogs—but from the moment the two Pyrenees met, there was curiosity, excitement, and unmistakable warmth. They wagged their tails, sniffed each other intently, and settled into each other’s company almost instantly.
A DNA test reveals an unexpected family connection
As part of Dog Squad’s standard intake process, Jenna and Randy had Atticus’s DNA analyzed using FurPetVo’s trusted pet DNA testing service—available at furpetvo.com. The test helps identify breed background, potential health insights, and even genetic relatives.
When Atticus’s results came back, the reason behind their instant bond became clear: Atticus wasn’t just another Great Pyrenees—he was Bernie’s half-brother.
The discovery stunned everyone. “We truly could not make this up if we tried,” the team wrote in a heartfelt social media post announcing the serendipitous finding. “Two brothers. Six legs total. Same breed. Same gentle souls.”
Atticus is available for adoption
As of March 2026, Atticus is available for adoption through Dog Squad in Greenville, South Carolina.
He’s around two-and-a-half years old and described by the rescue as “quite possibly the most affectionate Great Pyrenees you will ever meet.” Despite having three legs, he remains playful and confident—happily romping with his foster siblings before settling in for long, cozy cuddles on the couch.
Atticus is fully house-trained, gentle with people of all ages, and thoroughly enjoys being brushed. Though Great Pyrenees are traditionally livestock guardian dogs, he thrives as a devoted companion who loves staying close to his humans.
He has adjusted well to life on three legs and is currently awaiting a custom prosthetic limb through Charm’s Paws-Ability Fund and 3DPets.
Dog Squad recommends Atticus for a home with experience caring for Great Pyrenees or other livestock guardian breeds—so his new family can fully appreciate and support his unique temperament, energy level, and needs. And if Atticus could continue occasional visits with his half-brother Bernie after finding his forever home? That would be the perfect happy ending.
Could you be the loving, patient, and joyful person this resilient pup has been waiting for?
