The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” sadly still gets ignored far too often.
Many people believe a dog is only worthy of adoption if it looks perfect—healthy, clean, and irresistibly cute.
What they miss is that a dog’s appearance often reflects how it has been treated. They also overlook the simple truth: every dog is the same at heart. No matter what they look like, each one is loving, joyful, and eager to belong to a family.
That’s all the little pup in today’s story ever wanted.
Meet Luna
A California rescue gained attention after making a heartfelt appeal for someone to adopt a Pit Bull named Luna.
Luna was only seven weeks old when she was surrendered because of a facial deformity that made eating and even breathing incredibly difficult.
Her condition on arrival at the shelter was devastating. She had a broken jaw and a fractured skull. Because of this, she was set to be euthanized that very same day.
Fortunately, Cage to Couch, a nonprofit rescue in California, stepped in. They rushed to save her and gave her a fighting chance.
At The Shelter
Mary Pryor, a staff member at the rescue, explained that as a puppy, Luna never learned how to breathe through her mouth. She couldn’t eat properly and often fainted, a frightening reality that happened regularly.
With the help of the dedicated team at Cage to Couch and the staff at University Veterinary Center, Luna began to slowly grow stronger each day.
Even though she still faces many surgeries and medical challenges ahead, Pryor remains hopeful that someone will recognize Luna’s true spirit and welcome her into a forever home.
“Luna had a serious nasal infection that required hospitalization, and had a hard time breathing, causing her to not eat and to faint. She has a hole in her mouth up into her nasal cavity [a cleft palate] that will need to be surgically repaired. Food and bacteria enter where they shouldn’t, and she has a constant nasal infection,” Pryor told Newsweek.
Because Luna was still a young pup, the vets decided to delay surgery until she grew a bit more, since her jaw was still shifting and she had already lost many teeth. In the meantime, she remained on medication and under close care.
Despite her progress, some nights were still terrifying for her. Luna would panic when she couldn’t breathe.
The staff found a way to calm her, by gently placing a finger in her mouth to keep it open until she could settle and finally sleep.
“I don’t want to exaggerate her suffering, but Luna does have some real struggles with her deformity. She sounds like a raptor and can panic about breathing, is a very messy eater, and she can’t really chew so she gobbles instead. We try to get the food to go right down and not go up through the hole in her mouth,” Pryor added.
Still A Happy Pup
Yet despite everything, Luna never let her disability define her.
She remains a playful, energetic puppy who loves zooming around, going for walks, and making friends with everyone she meets.
Right now, she is in a foster home with three other dogs… two senior Beagles who are blind and one battling cancer.
While she adores her foster siblings, she still dreams of a forever family to call her own.
“She would do well in a home with another dog or two, and she’s also great with cats. A home with a fenced-in yard would be nice, but she is learning to walk on leash and is a quick learner. We’re working on basic commands now, too,” Pryor stated.
Pryor is very saddened by the fact that many misjudge her not only because of her deformities, but also because of her breed.
“We’re determined she gets well trained and continues to be socialized with other dogs, as we’re aware of the fear-based reaction people can have towards pitties. With her slightly askew face, it could be tough for Luna,” she concluded.
One day, Luna will no doubt find a family who sees her for the wonderful soul she is. That home will give her the love-filled life she deserves.
Wishing you all the best, Luna, you sweet, resilient pup.