Three-legged rescue dog learns to surf

In September, a three-legged dog named Onyx made headlines with his story of horrific animal abuse. The dog had been discovered tied to a wooden post with a bloody severed leg.

"Animal control officers said the dog's owners tried to amputate his hind leg without anesthesia after he was hit by a car," KGET reported.

His owner was sentenced to a year in jail.

Five months later, following life-saving leg-amputation surgery by Dr. Daniel Slaton, an orthopaedic specialist at Westlake Village Animal Hospital, Onyx is "a whole new dog."

Onyx went from near-death to a life of luxury at The Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa where he takes surfing lessons.

"It's the biggest rags to riches story you can get for a dog," Slaton says.

"He is such a happy dog now, running and jumping and wagging his tail. He just can't wait to get into the water," says Larry Brambles, Onyx's surf coach, of the black lab with surprising balance.

Onyx is now training to be a therapy dog.

"We thought he would be a good story for kids who have lost limbs and are handicapped. There is a brighter side and you can actually live and have a good quality of life," said Slaton.