The Beloit Daily News

BY HILLARY WUNDROW Beloit (Wis.) Daily News

BELOIT, Wis. - A three-legged Chihuahua walks into a bar. He says, "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."

That joke is what Vice President of Management and Finance Joel Carter hopes to put on his Chihuahua's T-shirt.

Chihuahuas may be best known for their small stature and erect ears, but Carter's dog, Wrigley, is known for his stumpy fourth leg with one toenail poking out. The buzz at Blackhawk Bank in Beloit last week was Carter's lopsided pooch.

Affectionately called "Tripod," the 4-month-old puppy was speeding around the cubicles on three feet.

"He kind of hops like a bunny," said Marjorie Peer, financial analyst.

"Or maybe a rat," joked Carter.

What some could consider a birth defect is actually a unique part of the dog's wee body. Marjorie Peer first noticed there was something special about the dog when she was checking on the Chihuahua puppies at her parents' house.

Not only did Wrigley have brown markings resembling hearts on his back, but he also had a fourth leg smaller than his other three.

A veterinarian told Peer Wrigley would be OK but that his leg could be removed later to help him learn to walk properly. At the time, Peer loved the puppies so much, she didn't mind. She even adopted Petey and Jack from Chihuahua parents Pinky and Buddy.

She thought co-worker Carter, however, would be the perfect papa for Wrigley. He had a spacious home in Belvidere and already took care of a slightly spastic golden retriever named Molly.

She started bringing in pictures of the three-legged dog, and Carter developed a soft spot for him.

Carter decided to adopt the dog. Though Carter feared Molly might eat the smaller pooch, Wrigley started to outrun the ol' girl and beat her at fetch.

A ramp was put up for the dog, but Wrigley learned to use the stairs.

"When he's running fast, he doesn't use that other paw at all," Peer said.

As Wrigley started to grow, Carter dreamed of clever T-shirts he could dress him in. Possible slogans for the pup's shirt included, "You can't eat a good dog all at once," "Yes, I'm going to make it," "You know I get a lot done with that one toe," and "You should see the other dog."

At work, Carter dreamed of making him a bank mascot.

"He opened a checking account," Carter joked. "It's so easy, it only takes one toe."