Meet Rae, a twelve-week-old golden retriever who has quickly gained fame on Instagram and TikTok as the “Golden Unicorn.” Her distinctive single ear, which resembles a unicorn’s horn, has captured the hearts of many online.
Rae’s journey began when she lost her left ear shortly after birth, likely due to her mother being overly vigorous in cleaning her. She was rushed to the Family Friends Veterinary Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where staff provided the necessary stitches on her head and the left side of her face. It was at this veterinary clinic that her future owner, Lila Johnson, instantly fell for the adorable pup. “After losing my beloved golden retriever, Finn, to illness, I had a soft spot for this breed,” Johnson shared. “When they informed me Rae needed round-the-clock care, I felt a strong connection and knew I had to bring her home.”
“I knew from the moment I laid eyes on her that I wanted to nurture her through recovery, despite knowing it wouldn’t be simple,” Johnson told Good Morning America. As Rae healed, her ear began to shift upwards, giving her an endearing appearance that led the veterinary staff to affectionately label her as the “unicorn.”
“Rae has such a hilarious personality,” Johnson said. “She lights up any room and is never shy, always eager to join groups of other dogs.” Despite the unusual placement of her ear, Rae can still hear and respond to commands effectively. Johnson remarked, “People often ask how her ear functions given its position, but we just know it works.”
To clarify her story, Johnson took to Rae’s Instagram account, @goldenunicornrae, to explain the ear’s placement. “In this photo, she was just 7 days old, and you can see how well her left side is healing,” she noted.
Rae’s Instagram has amassed over 102,000 followers, and she has also gained popularity on TikTok, where a video shared by vet technician Emma Brooks has garnered 3.8 million views and over 771,000 likes. Johnson expressed, “During a challenging period in my life, Rae became a positive distraction for me. Caring for her gave me purpose and love, which is why she means so much to me.”
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In summary, Rae, the “unicorn” golden retriever, has charmed social media with her unique story and personality. Her journey from a challenging start to becoming a beloved pet and internet sensation is a testament to resilience and love.