The phrase, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ is often disregarded by many.
Many believe that a dog is only suited for adoption if it appears flawless, clean, and incredibly cute.
What they overlook is that a dog’s appearance largely reflects how it has been treated. They also forget that every dog shares the same emotional depth. Regardless of their looks, all dogs are joyful, loving creatures simply seeking a family to belong to.
Today’s feature pup exemplifies this very sentiment.
Introducing Luna
A California animal rescue drew public attention when they sought a home for a Pit Bull named Luna.
Luna was surrendered to the shelter at just seven weeks old due to a facial deformity that made eating and breathing extremely challenging.
When she arrived at the shelter, her condition was incredibly tragic.
She had a fractured skull and a broken jaw, leading to her being scheduled for euthanasia on the very same day.
Fortunately, Cage to Couch, a nonprofit animal rescue organization in California, learned of her situation and stepped in, ultimately saving her life.
Life at the Shelter
According to Mary Pryor, a staff member from the rescue, Luna, as a young puppy, never learned to breathe through her mouth. She struggled with eating and frequently fainted.
Thanks to the efforts of the Californian rescue and the team at the University Veterinary Center, Luna began to regain her strength day by day.
Even though she may require several additional surgeries and medical treatments, Pryor remains optimistic that someone will recognize Luna for the wonderful pup she is and welcome her into their heart and home.
“Luna dealt with a severe nasal infection that needed hospitalization, which hindered her ability to eat and caused her to faint. She has a cleft palate that requires surgical correction: food and bacteria can access areas they shouldn’t, leading to chronic nasal infections,” Pryor shared with Newsweek.
Since Luna is still a young puppy, the medical team opted to postpone surgery and focus on managing her medications as she continues to grow, allowing time for her jaw realignment and dental development.
As Luna becomes more aware of her situation, there are still times she feels anxious because of her breathing difficulties. Thankfully, the staff devised a method to help her relax by gently holding her mouth open with a finger, allowing her to settle down and sleep peacefully.
“I don’t want to overstate her struggles, but Luna does face significant challenges because of her deformity. She makes unusual breathing sounds and tends to panic; she’s quite messy while eating and tends to gulp her food instead of chewing it. We do our best to facilitate her eating properly and prevent food from going into the wrong areas,” Pryor elaborated.
Yet, a Happy Pup
Nonetheless, Luna refuses to let her challenges dictate her happiness.
She remains a joyful, energetic puppy who loves to sprint around, go on walks, and engage with anyone she encounters.
Luna is currently in the care of a foster family that includes two blind senior Beagles and another dog who is fighting cancer.
While Luna enjoys her time with her foster siblings, she longs for a family of her own.
“She would thrive in a household with another dog or two, and she’s also friendly with cats. A home with a secure yard would be ideal; however, she’s learning to walk on a leash and picks up commands quickly,” noted Pryor.
Pryor is genuinely saddened by the fact that Luna is often misjudged not only because of her deformities, but also due to her breed.
“We’re committed to ensuring she receives proper training and socialization, as we recognize the fear-based biases some people have against pit bulls. With her asymmetrical face, Luna may face challenges,” she concluded.
I’m confident that someday, Luna will discover a loving family that will appreciate her for who she is and offer her the life she truly deserves.
Wishing you all the best, Luna… you sweet pup.
