Bre Burger is used to falling in love with canines who have specific needs. She and her wife, Amanda, have acquired several dogs with impairments over the previous eight years, each as adored as the last.
However, a few months ago, the loving pair was perusing through social media when they came across a little puppy with vampire-like teeth.
One of their pals was caring for the dog, Marv. Burger had a feeling Marv would fit perfectly in with her family if he was seeking for a forever home. When no one stepped up to provide a home for Marv, she rushed in to save him.
“I couldn’t stop worrying about who he would end up with like he was already ours, so he just needed to be ours — that was the only way to ensure he got the best life he deserved,” Burger said in a recent interview. “I knew the level of care he would need and that most people wouldn’t give him that.”
Marv was welcomed into the Burger family a few days later, in June 2023. They were eager to learn everything they could about him and ready to care for him in whatever manner he required.
First, they analyzed the peculiarities of Marv’s mouth.
“Marv has a genetic disorder, but we don’t know which one,” Burger went on to say. “Part of that is due to parrot mouth, which explains his overcrowding of teeth, short lower jaw, and short tongue.” He has a second row of teeth at the bottom and two long ones on top that people notice.”
They haven’t been able to obtain a formal diagnosis for Marv since they are awaiting medical approval from a neurologist for anesthesia, but they have learned how to meet his requirements.
Marv’s parents use a plastic syringe to feed him water since his tongue is too short to reach the bowl. They’ve also found out the best way to feed him.
“Marv’s favorite thing in the whole world is eating!” Burger said. “I sit, prop him up with towels, put on a bib, and feed him with a spoon.” He’s really looking forward to it.”
Marv also receives a thorough tooth brushing after every meal because food tends to get caught in his congested mouth.
Marv’s physical appearance is similar to that of a vampire, but his disposition is diametrically opposed.
Sure, he’s been known to bite his favorite folks, but it’s always out of love.
“He communicates very uniquely!” Burger said. “His way of showing me love is to nibble on my fingers very gently.”
Marv may typically be seen nestled in his parents’ arms or watching TV on the couch like a human when he isn’t drooling on his family.
“He’s like a little person trapped in a dog’s body,” Burger said. “Since his front arms automatically cross, he looks even more distinguished when he’s doing it.”
Marv’s everyday escapades have been documented on Instagram by the Burger family since his adoption. They enjoy knowing that Marv’s cute face has made someone smile around the world, but most importantly, they hope the tiny fellow may serve as a timely reminder for all animal lovers.
“It touches my heart that he has this ability to connect with people and make them feel happy,” Burger went on to say. “This little dog that some people see as ‘broken’ or ‘ugly’ because he looks different and can’t walk has the power to bring so much joy, and that is his little life’s purpose.”
