IT’S a condition that affects only four in 90,000 dogs.

Forrest, a 15-week-old Doberman, was born with ectrodactyly deformity, which means his front left paw is split.

The puppy, who lives with his carer in Hedge End, is now the subject of a fundraising campaign with the aim to save his leg with a £7,000 surgery.

Forrest, named after the popular film character Forrest Gump, currently limps on his leg and after getting multiple x-rays, it’s hoped that with up to three operations costing a minimum of £7,000, he could get back the use of his leg.

The campaign, launched by his 24-year-old owner Fran Tongs, has raised almost £2,000, and a sponsored dog walk is also being planned across the New Forest in January in a bid to collect the remainder needed for the potentially life-saving treatment.

Fran’s friend Holly Fowler, who lives in West End, said neither of them would give up on Forrest.

Holly, 34, said: “He is completely healthy other than this, and some people have told us that it would be easier just to put him to sleep.

“We don’t want to do that as we know how special he is, and he could get the use of his leg back to support his weight.

“If we amputate the leg, it would help, but we know he can regain the use, so that’s what we want. He is growing so fast!”

The quote for the operations needed to save his leg is between £7,000 and £10,000.

A sponsored walk, starting at Deerleap in the New Forest on January 6, is also planned to help bridge the funding gap and get Forrest the surgery he desperately needs.

Holly added: “As it’s a birth defect, the insurance won’t cover it and none of us have the money to pay for it.

“The breeder has looked after Forrest since he was born in August and we’re all desperate to help out.

“The walk starts at Deerleap and goes to Matley Wood before coming back to Deerleap.

“We’ll bring Forrest to the end of the walk so everyone involved has a chance to meet him and see how special he is.

“There will also be warm drinks along the way, as I’m sure it will be absolutely freezing!”

To donate to Forrest’s cause, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Forrest-pup.