“[I]t has not touched his spirit.”
By Caitlin Jill Anders
Published on March 6, 2026 at 3:23 PM
When Marathon first arrived at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), the staffers quickly noticed that something was off. The little puppy was very wobbly and often stumbled or tipped to one side as he walked. The medical team dug a little deeper and discovered the cause of Marathon’s wobbles: Cerebellar hypoplasia.
Marathon was so young, and everyone at the rescue wondered how his condition would affect him long-term. As they watched him run and play, he kept falling down — but every single time, he got right back up again.
“Despite the diagnoses, Marathon is a bright, playful and incredibly resilient 3-month-old puppy,” Luis Sanchez, director of public relations and communications at APA!, told The Dodo. “He loves other dogs, greets people with confidence and is happiest curled up in a lap after playtime. His condition affects how he moves, but it has not touched his spirit.”
Even though he kept falling down, Marathon seemed to have no idea he was any different than the other dogs around him. He just kept getting back up and continuing to run and play. He had so much joy surging through his tiny body, and the staff at APA! made it their mission to love and support him as he learned how to be a puppy.
“Marathon’s cerebellar hypoplasia and neurological differences mean he’ll continue to navigate the world in his own unique way, a little wobbly, always with full love and determination,” Sanchez said. “Austin Pets Alive! is focused on supporting his comfort, safety and overall quality of life as he grows.”
It can be difficult to find homes for dogs who are a bit different, but Marathon’s zest for life and adorable wobbles quickly caught the attention of a lucky family.
The team was sad to see Marathon go, but they’re also thrilled he’s found his happily-ever-after. He’ll continue to adapt to his differences as he plows his way through life, and his new family will be there to support him every step of the way.
You can help Marathon and other puppies by donating to Austin Pets Alive!.