Narwhal the 'unicorn puppy' to stay with rescuers

Mac's Mission animal rescue founder Rochelle Steffen holds a 10-week-old puppy with a small tail growing between his eyes, dubbed "Narwhal," Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, in Jackson, Mo. (Tyler Graef/The Southeast Missourian via AP)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A dog that drew international attention because of a tail-like growth on his face will remain with the founder of a group that rescued him.

The dog, named Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn, was rescued in November by Mac's Mission in southeast Missouri. When the beagle-mix puppy's picture hit social media, the mission received more than 300 offers to adopt him. But the dog also drew some unwelcome attention, including death threats.

Mac's Mission's founder Rochelle Steffen said those two factors -- plus Narwhal's cute personality and loving nature -- convinced her to keep the dog.

Steffen told The Southeast Missourian she was concerned her small rescue group couldn't properly vet people who wanted to adopt Narwhal, and she wanted to be sure he stay with people who had his best interests at heart.