Adopting a paralyzed dog or cat isn’t the ideal choice for every pet owner. It requires patience, dedication, and a deep level of compassion. However, for those willing to open their hearts and homes, it can be an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience. Many disabled pets are abandoned simply because of their special needs, which makes it even more important to share stories that inspire kindness and understanding.
Lunita was one such dog who suffered the pain of abandonment. She was a sweet, medium-sized dog living in Salta, Argentina. In May 2014, she was left alone on the streets in the early morning hours. When she was discovered, she was lying face down on the sidewalk with her hind legs strapped to a broken wheelchair. There was no food or water beside her—only a note that mentioned her name, her age, and the fact that her former owner could no longer care for her. No additional details were offered.
It was a heartbreaking sight. Fortunately, a kind-hearted employee at a nearby dog grooming salon saw Lunita and quickly contacted LUBA Salta, a local rescue organization. Two volunteers from the rescue team responded immediately and rushed to pick her up. They took her to a shelter where she was examined, given basic medical care, and eventually placed in a foster home. Her story and photo were then posted online in hopes of finding someone who would be willing to adopt her and give her the life she deserved.
For a while, no one came forward. But eventually, a family in the United States saw Lunita’s story and expressed their interest in adopting her. A fundraising campaign was organized to cover the cost of transporting her to her new home in the U.S. There was a wave of hope surrounding Lunita’s future, and everyone involved wanted to believe this would be the beginning of a beautiful chapter in her life.
Sadly, things didn’t go as expected. The family that adopted her didn’t fully understand how to care for a disabled dog. During her time in that home, Lunita suffered from serious neglect. She was forced to sleep on a mite-infested bed, which caused her to develop a severe staph infection. The situation worsened to the point that she lost all of her fur from the waist down, including her tail. She also became extremely underweight, tipping the scales at only 35 pounds. Her body was covered in scabies, and she developed painful urine scalding due to improper care.
To make matters even worse, she developed a severe urinary tract infection that caused her extreme discomfort. Caretakers reported that she would cry out in pain every time someone tried to clean her bottom and private area. Despite all this suffering, Lunita didn’t give up. She was eventually taken in by a second, more experienced adoptive family who understood her medical needs and had the resources to care for her properly.
With the help of her new loving family and proper veterinary care, Lunita began to heal. Her wounds slowly faded, and her strength returned. She experienced joy again—something that had been absent from her life for so long. Her days were filled with love, laughter, and new adventures. She saw snow for the first time, traveled to different places, and made countless friends along the way. Her new family even threw her birthday parties, making sure she felt cherished and celebrated.
On June 15, 2018, Lunita turned 11 years old. It was one of the happiest days of her life. Her family and friends—both humans and dogs—gathered to celebrate her birthday. Lunita was all smiles, enjoying every moment and even indulging in a special dog-friendly cake. The event was filled with warmth, joy, and the kind of love every dog deserves.
However, not long after her joyful birthday celebration, Lunita fell seriously ill. Her condition deteriorated quickly, and she had to be admitted to the ICU. Her breathing grew worse by the day, and each time the oxygen was removed, her tongue would begin to turn blue. It became clear that she was suffering deeply, and her family was faced with the most difficult decision of all.
With heavy hearts, they chose to let her go, knowing that she had fought bravely and that it was time for her to find peace. Lunita passed away surrounded by the people who loved her most. Her mom later wrote a touching tribute on Facebook, saying, “I will never forget her and how much she meant to me. She changed my life forever. I loved her so much.”
Although Lunita’s life was marked by pain and hardship, her final years were filled with love, happiness, and dignity. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the profound impact that compassion can have. She is an inspiration to anyone who thinks their situation is hopeless—a symbol that even the darkest chapters can lead to brighter days.
Rest in peace, Lunita. Your story touched hearts around the world, and your spirit lives on as a beautiful example of courage, strength, and unconditional love.
Please share Lunita’s story to honor her memory and to encourage others to open their hearts to animals in need. Every pet deserves a chance to be loved, no matter their condition
