A brutally injured puppy with barely a nose and a shattered jaw is clawing his way back from the brink and stealing hearts while he’s at it.
Peanut, a young shepherd-husky mix, was rushed into Pasadena Humane weeks ago after a good Samaritan found him in Sierra Madre in devastating condition.
Most of his nose was gone, the soft tissue on his upper muzzle missing, and his jaw both fractured and dislocated.
What happened to him is still a mystery.
What is clear is that Peanut refused to give up.
Shelter staff say the tiny survivor has been all tail wags and playfulness, even as he endured one of the most disturbing cases they’ve encountered.
The road back has been grueling.
With not enough skin to seal the wound, Peanut’s nose has been rebuilding itself from the inside out, a slow and delicate process.
A small stent keeps his airway open as new tissue forms, and his condition remains fragile under constant watch.
One nostril cannot be reopened, forcing the pup to adapt by breathing through his mouth, according to Pasadena Humane.
The shocking case triggered a wave of support.
Donations first topped a $2,500 goal set for his care, with Fetch Pet Insurance matching the contributions.
As Peanut’s story spread, the total skyrocketed to $23,000, crushing a later $7,000 target.
That cash is helping cover his treatment through Pasadena Humane’s Miracle Medical Fund, which supports animals in critical condition.
Now comes the moment everyone was hoping for.
“We’re so grateful for all of the support you’ve shown tiny Peanut,” the organization posted on Instagram. “We’re happy to report that after weeks of specialized care, Peanut is recovering well and is now available for adoption!”
After everything he’s endured, Peanut’s final hurdle is finding a home where he can finally rest easy.
