Amazing Animals That Beat the Odds

CORKY THE KITTEN

Corky was born with backwards and crisscrossed hind legs due to a rare genetic disorder. Before arriving at the Cat's Cradle Shelter in North Dakota, the surprisingly content kitten dragged himself around by his front paws, unaware that his condition was abnormal. The shelter has helped pay for a revolutionary surgery that righted Corky's legs. He is healing, already on four paws and happier than ever. (ABC News)

NEVILLE THE HORSE

Neville Bardos the horse must be wearing an extremely lucky horseshoe, because he has cheated death twice. First, Neville was saved from the slaughterhouse by his owner. After reaching his new home, the horse survived a terrifying barn fire. Doctors were worried that the injuries Neville received from the blaze would slow him down for good, but the stallion has made a miraculous recovery and is up for a spot in the London 2012 Olympics. (MSNBC)

HARPER THE PIT BULL PUPPY

Afflicted with a usually fatal disorder that prevented her from walking, Harper was literally thrown in the trash. Luckily, animal lover Erica Daniel rescued the pup from her desperate situation. After moving in with Daniel, Harper began her road to recovery, overcoming her disorder and learning to walk. (Animal Planet)

MALOOS THE STREET CAT

Found dirty, broken and dragging himself through the streets of Iran, Maloos was in need of serious help. After hearing about the tabby's story, San Fransisco's Animal Care & Control reached out to offer the cat a trip to the states. Once on the West Coast, Maloos went through several surgeries for his injuries and responded well. Shelter workers say his wonderful personality got him through the toughest parts of his recovery and he is sure to make a loving pet. (Catsparella)

FIREPROOF HAMSTER

When a gas explosion tore through a family home in Essex, England, fire crews feared the worst. Luckily, everyone survived the blast, including the family hamster. Firemen discovered the pet in his cage in the wreckage, oblivious to to the explosion that had destroyed his surroundings. (Daily Mail)

LILLY THE PIT BULL

A truly altruistic animal, Lilly positioned herself between her unconscious owner and an oncoming train so her owner wouldn't get hurt. The pit bull's plan worked; her owner was unharmed. Lilly, who was hit by the train, was not so fortunate. The dog's front leg required amputation and her pelvis had to be rebuilt. After extensive surgery, doctors believe the brave canine should make a full recovery and will be able to walk again soon. 

BELLA THE LLAMA

Bella's first hardship was breaking one of her back legs in a gopher hole. Sadly, due to an infection, the fractured leg needed to be amputated. The llama was distraught over the loss of a limb, eventually refusing to move. Afraid that Bella had given up on life, her owners decided to try outfitting her with a custom cheetah-print prosthetic. The change had the desired effect. Bella responded enthusiastically to the new leg and now gets around like nothing ever happened. (Huffington Post)

ONE LUCKY PARAKEET

After being hit by a car and stuck in the vehicle's grill, this parakeet took an unwanted joyride. The driver discovered the parakeet the next morning and went to the fire department for help. Several firemen worked to dislodge the bird, who was then taken to a nearby animal rescue for rehabilitation. The parakeet had no major injuries and is expected to be returned to the wild. (WCBS-TV)

STORM THE PIT BULL

Storm got several unexpected and sad surprises when burglars broke into his owner's home and shot him with an arrow. The dog was discovered by his owner with the arrow still stuck in his face. His owner rushed Storm to an animal hospital where the arrow was carefully removed and the canine was given stitches. The doctor who treated Storm said the dog should recover just fine, but if the arrow traveled a few more millimeters into the dog's head, it would've been fatal. (Animal Refuge Center)

OLIVIA THE PIG

This little pig was going to market, but fate sent her to a loving home instead. Olivia bounced off the truck that was taking her to be sold. A kind swine lover found the pig on the road soon after and decided to take her in. Olivia's new owner paid for the pig's post-fall wounds and gladly welcomed Olivia into her home. Now Olivia spends most of her days regaining her strength by swimming or lounging with her new family. (KWWL-TV)