Bre Burger has a soft spot for dogs with special needs. Over the past eight years, she and her wife, Amanda, have opened their hearts and home to several pups with disabilities—each one just as beloved as the last.
But a few months ago, the couple had a moment that would change their lives forever. While scrolling through social media, they stumbled upon a tiny dog with vampire-like teeth. His name was Marv, and he was being fostered by a friend. Marv was in need of a forever home, and Bre couldn’t shake the feeling that he was meant to be part of their family. When no one stepped up to adopt him, she knew it was time to act.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about him. It felt like he was already ours,” Bre told Loveanimalsclub. “The only way I could be sure he’d get the care he deserved was to bring him into our family.”
In June 2023, Marv officially joined the Burger household. Excited and ready to provide him with the best life possible, they quickly got to work learning about his unique needs—starting with his unusual teeth.
“Marv has a genetic disorder, though we’re not sure which one yet,” Bre explained. “Part of it is parrot mouth, which means his teeth are overcrowded, and his lower jaw and tongue are shorter than normal. He even has a second row of teeth at the bottom and two long ones on top that really stand out!”
Though they’re still waiting for medical clearance to get a proper diagnosis, Bre and Amanda have already adapted their routines to help Marv thrive. Because his tongue is too short to reach his water bowl, they give him water through a plastic syringe. Feeding time is a special event, too.
“Eating is Marv’s absolute favorite thing!” Bre said. “I sit him up with towels, put a bib on him, and spoon-feed him. He gets so excited for mealtime.”
When Marv isn’t enjoying his favorite meals, you’ll likely find him snuggled in his parents’ arms or lounging on the couch like a little human.
“He’s like a person in a dog’s body,” Bre said. “His front legs automatically cross, which makes him look even more distinguished.”
Since welcoming Marv, the Burger family has been documenting his daily adventures on Instagram, bringing smiles to people all around the world. While they love sharing Marv’s adorable quirks, they hope his story does more than just brighten someone’s day—it’s a reminder about the beauty of imperfection.
“It means so much to me that Marv can make people happy,” Bre said. “This little dog, who some may think is ‘broken’ or ‘ugly’ just because he’s different, has the power to bring so much joy. That’s his purpose in life.”
