10
Loading video...
By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A special needs puppy is facing an uncertain future after losing his home and family in the most devastating of circumstances.
There was a time when Manzanita had everything a dog could ask for: a happy home with her own bed to sleep in at night and a family that kept her happy and well fed.
But in January of this year, everything Manzanita knew was ripped away from her in the wake of the devastating wildfires that ripped through Los Angeles. Photos published at the time highlighted the extent of the damage, with rows of charred homes throughout the region, leaving once bustling neighborhoods in ruins.
Read More on Pets
Many residents spoke of the devastation of seeing their homes destroyed by the fires and the sense of disbelief at having seen everything they once knew destroyed. Manzanita's family was one of those to see the place they once called home destroyed.
That was the moment this tiny puppy's life changed forever, setting off a chain reaction of events that ultimately came to the attention of CUDDLY, a fundraising and wish list platform sending aid and supplies to nonprofit animal rescues and dogs like Manzanita.
"Manzanita was surrendered by her family to Pasadena Humane, where countless animals were already seeking temporary shelter in the chaos of the fires," a spokesperson for CUDDLY told Newsweek.
"Due to the gravity of their loss, her family was left with no choice but to give her up entirely. This choice was incredibly difficult for them to make, but they wanted to give Manzanita the best chance they could."
There was one further twist in Manzanita's story though. "Upon her arrival at Pasadena Humane, Manzanita was exhibiting worrying neurological symptoms," CUDDLY said. "Even after preliminary testing, the root cause of her condition remained a mystery. Pasadena Humane reached out to us, and, of course, we agreed to take this sweet girl in."
...
Thankfully, there has been some progress since those initial tests. CUDDLY took Manzanita to a neurologist for the first of several scheduled visits. "Based on her assessment, they believe that she was exposed to a virus in utero, which resulted in her neurological issues," CUDDLY said. "However, she is already showing small signs of improvement!"
But while Manzanita has taken significant steps in addressing the neurological issues identified when she first arrived, CUDDLY said she is still coming to terms with losing her family and home.
"This baby has been through so much. First, she lost her home and the only family she's ever known," they said. "Now, she is fighting an invisible battle in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by strangers. We're working tirelessly to help Manzanita feel comfortable and safe while we try to uncover the cause of her symptoms."
The hope now is that with the right support and treatment, Manzanita can ultimately take the next necessary step toward healing but finding a new forever home.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines