PIKA
Our amazing little Frenchie was found in January of 2015 when police raided a suspected “chop shop” in an L.A. neighborhood. Imagine their surprise when they moved a piece of plywood and found a hole underneath, with a French Bulldog at the bottom of it! She was filthy, hairless, and had obviously been living in deplorable conditions for a long time. The police confiscated her and took her to Riverside County Animal Services (RCAS), where the neglected dog won hearts immediately. Staff and volunteers took photos of her, shocked by her physical condition but amazed at how friendly and loving she was. The hair loss was caused by untreated demodex mange. She also had skin, ear, and eye infections. Her teeth were blackened and dirty, and her toenails were long and curled under from so many months unable to walk.
RCAS decided to send her to “Luvable Dog Rescue” in Eugene, Oregon for rehabilitation. Over the years, Luvable Dog Rescue has saved hundreds of dogs from L.A. shelters and had a long and exemplary relationship with RCAS. They knew she would receive lots of love and excellent care at our rescue.
The LUVABLE staff fell in love with the odd looking little dog with the unconquerable spirit. She was more than ready to leave her life in the hole behind her, but the name “Pika” just seemed to fit her. A “Pika” is a type of ground-dwelling rodent. In personality, however, Pika was ALL French Bulldog – outgoing, happy, and playful. She loved every person and dog she met.
Pika was taken to three different veterinarians, who addressed her various health issues, all of which are treatable. At this time, Pika is still fighting mange, but some hair has returned. She is growing some fuzz on her feet and the top of her head. Thankfully her vision was not permanently impaired. Her teeth have been cleaned. Now that she is healthier, we estimate her age at about three years.
We don’t know exactly how long she was living with the car thieves in a hole in the ground. The last we heard, her captors were not going to be prosecuted for animal neglect or abuse because sadly, there just are not resources available to pursue cases like this.
We don’t know where Pika originally came from. But Pika’s future should be bright! The Executive Director, Liesl Wilhardt, of Luvable Dog Rescue took Pika to her home and Pika fit in right away with Liesl’s existing dog family.
Pika loves to play with her bald best friend, a toy Xoloitzcuintli mix named “Baldwynn”. She also loves to eat, chase tennis balls and go for walks in the woods. At first, Pika could not walk further than a block or two. Today, she can hike for an hour in cool weather with no problem. She may always have some health issues and we have no idea how much of her hair will grow back. But Pika has been officially adopted by our Executive Director, and has assumed the role of mascot and Rescue Spokesdog.
Pika hopes to bring attention to the condition of other homeless dogs, promote adoption, and give back to the Rescue that saved her. She reminds us that no matter how difficult life can be, to never lose hope. Pika’s spirit had not been broken. Somehow she survived that lonely, dark place, and did not lose faith in people. Pika and her Rescue Family appreciate any support and donations to help save dogs like Pika. Please follow her on Instagram: @pika_outofthe_hole (www.instagram.com/pika_outofthe_hole).
Please take a moment to watch PIKA’s Story in this short YOUTUBE clip. Thanks to Claire Colby for volunteering your time to produce this short 2:45 sec clip.
PICASSO
PICASSO the Wonky Dog
I saw this dog’s photo at the Porterville animal shelter and knew he had to come to Luvable…!!!! Then I found out he was on the euthanasia list. Then I found out he had a “normal looking” brother who was also on the euthanasia list. Both dogs had been surrendered to the shelter by their breeder/owner.
I couldn’t imagine taking one boy and not the other. So we got them both out and safe and brought them to Luvable Dog Rescue in Oregon!
We named them Picasso and Pablo, and Picasso’s amazing face has received a lot of attention!!!
Thank you for following Picasso’s amazing journey. Sadly, we lost his brother, Pablo in October when he died suddenly of an unpreventable brain aneurysm. Picasso is courageous and resilient and is continuing on with his training to become a therapy dog and assist Luvable Dog Rescue in its humane education program. Picasso is only 18 months old and has just begun his long life of service and adventures!
Picasso’s story has spanned the globe!
BBC World Service News “Does this dog really look like a Picasso Painting!
UK News: Rescue Dog Called Picasso Because of His Strange Jaw Finally Finds a Home
NY Post: Unusual Dog Destined for Death Gets Another Chance
The Sun: Dog Named After Picasso Because of His Wonky Face Trains as a Therapy Pet to Aid the Sick
Daily Mail: Picasso With His Wonky Face
If you missed any of Picasso’s earlier media stories – we saved some of the best ones!:
KVAL News: Local Pablo and Picasso Story
Register Guard Video of Picasso
KVAL: Story of Eugene Dog with Facial Deformity
The Dodo: Dog With Deformed Face
Barkbox Videos of Pablo and Picasso
Huffington Post: Dog Abandoned Over His Looks
KVAL News: Picasso Undergoes Successful Dental Surgery
Please check back for more updates on Picasso’s future as a therapy dog! Thank you for all your support of this amazing dog!
NEWS FLASH! Picasso was just awarded the 2018 Diamond Collar Hero Award from the Oregon Humane Society!! Check out his video!
Wacku
If you follow @Roadogs Rescue you already know the story of the remarkable dog named Wacku. This dog was born in the Philippines and survived an attack by a drunk person who cut off part of his face with a machete. Wacku recovered and adapted to his injury and has spent the past five years at The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelter. Wacku had many dog friends there and the Shelter staff was very fond of him but no body came forward to offer Wacku a home. At some point the miracle working Nikki Carvey of @roadogs was contacted and asked to assist in finding Wacku a special home and she agreed. You may recall the original post about Wacku on Nikki’s Instagram account that drew 1000’s of comments and she received countless applications from loving families in the United States offering to adopt him. Nikki and Wacku’s caretakers at Paws discussed what would be the best possible home environment for Wacku who has lived a rather unconventional life. We are happy to announce that Wacku will be coming to Luvable Dog Rescue in Eugene Oregon. Wacku is being adopted by our Executive Director, Liesl Wilhardt and her family of 8 rescue dogs, including another dog with a famously special face, Picasso. Liesl’s home was chosen because she has 19 years of experience working with rescue dogs who have survived trauma, abuse and neglect. Liesl can also offer a dog family to Wacku who is most comfortable living with a variety of other dogs. Finally, Wacku is a very athletic and active dog who will need hours of daily hiking and social playtime with other dogs. Wacku has lived his whole life in the Philippines and we know it will take him a little time to adjust to his new life in the Pacific Northwest and family. Wacku is shy at first and wary of strangers. We will give Wacku all the time he needs to feel safe and secure in his new home and we promise to share photos and videos as Wacku begins his journey into the next chapter of his life with his forever family! You can read more about Wacku’s incredible story at PAWS and @Roadogs on their websites, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. These organizations do amazing work. Please consider making a donation so they can continue to save dogs like Wacku. You can follow Wacku’s journey on Instagram along with Picasso and the rest of the pack @picassoandwacku
Wacku’s Travels made the The Philippine Inquirer!
