Meet the adorable, miracle puppy who is the size of a hamster

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014
About the size of a hamster, Belle is still going strong.
Belle requires round-the-clock care, including being fed by syringe every hour.
Belle's owner, Karenza Cruse, looks after the dog while managing a guest house in England.
Belle was rejected by its mother shortly after childbirth, until owner Karenza Cruse stepped in to look after the pup.
Despite Belle's size, Cruse says the dog is still going on strong.
  (Belle's Journey / Facebook)
  (Belle's Journey / Facebook)
  (Belle's Journey / Facebook)
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Meet the adorable, miracle puppy who is the size of a hamsterAbout the size of a hamster, Belle is still going strong.
Belle's Journey / Facebook

Meet Belle. Named after the iconic fairy from "Peter Pan," Belle is a Yorkshire Terrier puppy less than ten weeks old, and weighs less than half a pound and stands at five centimeters tall. When Belle was born, she was the runt of her litter, being rejected by her mother soon after birth and having to be resuscitated. But with the help of Belle's caring guardian Karenza Cruse, 34, of Great Yarmouth, England, the pint-sized pup is determined to live a big happy life.

Belle's journey is chronicled on her own Facebook page with over 10,000 likes so far. Some users have commented on whether Belle is even healthy or not, giving her incredibly tiny size. But on their Facebook page, Belle's Journey has said "She has had her ups & downs, but is thriving at the moment. I just pray every day that she will stay strong."

Cruse manages a guest house while providing Belle with round-the-clock care, including feeding the dog every hour by syringe, and sleeping close by to ensure its health and safety.

"I take her everywhere with me . . . but once people see what is in my handbag they can't get enough of her. She is quite a celebrity round her and even in the local pub. She amazes me. I still just smile at her even if it is 2am or 4am. She reminds me of a little clockwork toy. Everyone just assumes she is a newborn," Cruse told the U.K. publication Express.

Check out the gallery above to see some big heartwarming images of the pint-sized Belle. Follow Belle's story at the link below.

Belle's Journey Facebook page.