Welcoming a dog with mobility challenges into your home isn’t suitable for everyone. However, it could become one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, so don’t let a canine’s extra requirements discourage you. Sadly, dogs with disabilities frequently find themselves abandoned by their caretakers. Lunita was a gorgeous canine companion with mobility limitations, which ultimately led to her being deserted on the streets of Salta, Argentina.
Lunita, a medium-built, paralyzed female dog was left on the pavement during the dawn hours of May 2014. Next to her lay a message containing her name, age, and a brief explanation.
Her previous caretaker provided neither sustenance nor hydration. The individual simply mentioned being unable to continue caring for her. No additional details were provided. Lunita was discovered lying prone on the concrete, her rear limbs still strapped to a deteriorated mobility cart. Fortunately, an employee at a nearby dog-grooming establishment spotted Lunita and immediately contacted the rescue group LUBA Salta. Shortly thereafter, two rescue volunteers hurried to retrieve Lunita. They transported the sweet canine to a shelter and subsequently placed her in temporary housing while posting her information online, hoping to secure a permanent home.
However, nothing materialized – until a household from the United States expressed interest! A crowdfunding campaign was initiated to finance Lunita’s journey to the United States. Unfortunately, circumstances proved challenging for Lunita in her initial adoptive residence. Her new family lacked the necessary knowledge to properly care for a dog with special needs.
During this period, a mite-infested sleeping area caused Lunita to develop a severe staphylococcal infection. Following this additional hardship, Lunita found herself with another adoptive family.
Because of the infection, mange, and urine burns, Lunita lost all fur from her midsection downward, including her tail. She was also malnourished, weighing only 35 pounds. A critical urinary tract infection left her in such agony that she would vocalize in pain whenever a caregiver cleaned her hindquarters and intimate areas. It required dedicated effort and veterinary attention to address all her ailments, but eventually she recuperated.
With her new family and improved health, Lunita experienced snow for the first time, embarked on numerous trips, formed new friendships, and even celebrated birthdays.
June 15, 2018 marked one of the most joyful days in Lunita’s existence. She turned 11 that day and thoroughly enjoyed the company of all the people and canine companions who gathered to celebrate her birthday. She even indulged in her special, canine-appropriate cake.
However, shortly after commemorating her 11th birthday, she fell ill and required admission to intensive care where she once again battled for survival. Her outlook wasn’t favorable, and her respiratory function continued to decline.
Each instance they removed Lunita from oxygen support, her tongue would begin turning blue. So her family made the difficult decision that it was time to let her go. Lunita passed away encircled by those who cherished her. “I will never forget her and how much she meant to me,” Lunita’s mom wrote on Facebook. “She changed my life forever. I loved her so much.”
Lunita’s journey concluded due to advanced age and the lingering effects of past hardships. But one truth remains undeniable – the final chapter of her life was genuinely happy. Lunita exemplifies remarkable resilience.
May her story inspire those who believe circumstances won’t improve. Rest peacefully, Lunita! Share this story with your friends on Facebook to honor an extraordinary dog!
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