Adopting a paralyzed pet isn’t for everyone—but for the right person, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
Sadly, dogs with disabilities are often abandoned. That was the case for Lunita, a sweet little dog left alone on the streets of Salta, Argentina. Her owner had tied her to a rundown wheelchair, left no food or water, and simply walked away—leaving a note saying they couldn’t keep her.
When she was found, Lunita was lying face-down on the sidewalk, her hind legs still strapped to the broken frame of her chair. Fortunately, a kind-hearted employee from a nearby dog grooming salon spotted her and contacted the local rescue group, LUBA Salta.
Two volunteers rushed over to help. Lunita was taken in, cleaned up, and placed in a foster home. Her story was posted online in the hope that someone, somewhere, would want to give her a better life.
And someone did. A family from the United States saw Lunita’s story and wanted to adopt her. A fundraiser helped cover the cost of her travel to her new home.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go well at first. The adoptive family didn’t know how to care for a disabled dog. Lunita developed a severe staph infection from a mite-infested bed. Her health quickly declined, and she was soon transferred to a new, more experienced adoptive family.
At that point, Lunita’s condition was heartbreaking. She had lost all her fur from the waist down due to infection, scabies, and urine scalding. She was dangerously underweight at just 35 pounds. A painful urinary tract infection left her crying out whenever her caretakers tried to clean her.
But Lunita didn’t give up—and neither did her new family. With dedicated care, love, and medical treatment, she began to heal. She gained weight, grew back her fur, and regained her spirit.
And with her new lease on life, Lunita truly began to thrive.
She saw snow for the first time, made lots of new doggy friends, went on adventures, and even celebrated her birthday with cake and love. June 15, 2018, was a highlight—Lunita turned 11 years old and was surrounded by people and pups who adored her.
Sadly, not long after her celebration, Lunita’s health took a turn. She was admitted to intensive care as her breathing worsened. Despite her incredible will to live, her condition continued to decline. Each time she was taken off oxygen, her tongue would turn blue.
Her family made the heartbreaking decision to let her go peacefully.
Lunita passed away in the arms of those who loved her.
“I will never forget her and how much she meant to me,” her adoptive mom wrote on Facebook. “She changed my life forever. I loved her so much.”
Though Lunita’s life began with hardship, her final chapter was filled with joy, comfort, and unconditional love. Her resilience and gentle spirit are a reminder that even the most difficult circumstances can lead to beautiful new beginnings.
Rest in peace, Lunita. You were truly one of a kind.
