NEED TO KNOW
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Peanut, a severely injured puppy, is recovering at Pasadena Humane after arriving at the rescue with a dislocated jaw and a missing nose
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The shelter says Peanut has undergone multiple surgeries to help him breathe and is now healing in their ICU
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Despite his injuries, Peanut is described as sweet and playful and will be ready for adoption once fully recovered
WARNING: The photo below may be distressing to some readers.
A severely injured puppy is beginning a long road to recovery after arriving at Pasadena Humane in critical condition.
In an Instagram post shared on Monday, March 30, the California-based shelter shared that the small dog, named Peanut, had suffered a traumatic injury that left him without most of his nose and with a dislocated jaw.
“When tiny Peanut arrived at Pasadena Humane, we were heartbroken by the shape he was in,” the organization wrote. “He was in need of immediate help. Despite everything, this little pup has been so brave.”
Peanut when he was first rescued and brought to Pasadena Humane
Credit: Pasadena Humane
The post quickly drew attention online, and in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the shelter is sharing more details about how Peanut is doing today.
“We actually got a call a couple of weeks ago from a concerned citizen who found him,” Kevin McManus, public relations and communications director at Pasadena Humane, says, adding that the Good Samaritan didn’t know if the pup had an owner or where the dog came from. “Our animal control officer went out, picked him up, took him immediately to an emergency room just because obviously there was a pretty bad wound.”
A veterinarian holding Peanut the dog who arrived at Pasadena Humane with a severe facial injury
Credit: Pasadena Humane
Peanut has since undergone multiple surgeries after veterinarians discovered the canine’s facial injuries were affecting his ability to breathe. “Because of the damage to that area, his nostril was kind of closing,” McManus explains. “So he’s had to have a couple of surgeries to keep it open.” To keep the airway open while the dog’s face heals, Peanut had a small tube inserted into his nostril.
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Currently, the small pup is recovering in the shelter’s ICU, where staff are monitoring him closely and giving him plenty of attention. Despite the severity of his injuries, McManus notes, Peanut’s prognosis is encouraging. “Medically, we think he’s going to ultimately recover,” he confirms. “We’re very confident that he will have a full and healthy life.”
Peanut the dog biting on a red heart-shaped pillow that reads ‘Be Mine’
Credit: Pasadena Humane
While Peanut may not regain a full sense of smell, his personality has remained intact.
“He’s just the sweetest puppy,” shares McManus. “He’s super sweet, loves playing; he’s going to be a wonderful, happy dog just with a little odd-shaped nose.”
The exact cause of Peanut’s injuries remains unknown, though officials say it may have been an accident or an encounter with an animal. For now, “the focus is on healing” and eventually finding the dog a forever home once he’s been cleared by the shelter’s vet team.
“We’re really excited for the day that he gets to go home,” McManus says.
To support Peanut’s care, animal lovers can donate to Pasadena Humane’s Miracle Medical Fund.
Read the original article on People