Dogs and toys go hand in hand.
They cuddle them, chew them, toss them around, and sometimes even fall asleep with them tucked under their paws. For most pups, toys mean comfort, fun, and joy.
But for Wilson, a rescue dog with a difficult past, toys had a far more tragic purpose. He held onto them—not to play, but to survive.
Wilson’s Heartbreaking Story
Wilson’s life began with hardship. At just six weeks old, rescuers saved him from the streets of California and brought him to Natalia at Tales of the Paw. Unlike most puppies, Wilson carried special needs.
A severe injury left him unable to breathe through his nose. His only way to get air was by keeping his mouth open.
That’s when his heartbreaking attachment to toys began.
Wilson didn’t play with them or chew on them. Instead, he used them to keep his mouth pried open so he could breathe.
“He started using toys to keep his mouth open to have an open passageway for breathing. He had an abscess on his nose from a previous injury and he couldn’t really breathe,” Natalia told GeoBeats Animals.
Knowing Wilson couldn’t live this way forever, Natalia searched for help. Eventually, a surgical solution offered him a second chance.
Veterinarians performed a nose surgery, placing a tube in his nasal passage and small buttons to keep it in position for several weeks. As scar tissue formed, it created a permanent nasal opening, allowing Wilson to breathe and smell again—something he had never truly experienced.
For the first time, Wilson could enjoy life without relying on toys for survival. His transformation felt nothing short of magical.
Helping Kittens Live Fully
Wilson not only thrived after his surgery but also began sharing his gentle spirit with others.
Soon, he became an important part of Natalia’s fostering efforts, stepping into the role of big brother to tiny kittens who needed socialization before adoption.
To Natalia and the vets who helped him, Wilson became something rare and extraordinary—a “unicorn.”
He nurtured every kitten with patience and kindness, making sure they had food, rest, and playtime. Wilson even helped teach them how to interact confidently with humans and other pets, preparing them for their forever homes.
“They are not afraid of stuff, they come up to people, they integrated with the family animals right away, and I do believe truly that that is thanks to Wilson spending so much time with them,” Natalia said.
Wilson’s love reached far beyond his own struggles.
“Wilson is such a sweetheart and breed ambassador. Wilson has fostered over 80 foster kittens and 20 pups. From broken down to Rescue Superstar,” the California rescue shared on Instagram.
Despite his painful beginnings, Wilson grew into the gentlest of giants, proving that love can heal even the deepest scars.
You can follow Wilson and Natalia’s daily adventures on their rescue’s Instagram and Facebook pages.