Adopting a paralyzed dog or cat may not be the right choice for everyone, and that’s perfectly understandable. It comes with unique challenges, extra care, and a deeper level of commitment than most people anticipate. But for those who are willing to open their hearts and homes, the experience can be incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about giving a pet a second chance—it’s about discovering just how strong, resilient, and full of life these animals can be. They may have special needs, but they also have endless love to give. Sadly, many disabled animals are left behind, abandoned by the very people they once trusted. This is the heartbreaking reality that little Lunita faced.
Lunita was a beautiful, medium-sized dog with a disability that made her unable to use her back legs. In May of 2014, she was found abandoned on the cold sidewalks of Salta, Argentina. It was early in the morning when she was discovered, lying face down, her frail body strapped into a broken, poorly made wheelchair. Next to her was a note—one of the few traces of her past. It listed her name, her age, and a brief explanation from her former owner. There was no food. No water. No contact information. Just a simple message stating that they could no longer care for her. It was a quiet goodbye, void of any true explanation or effort to ensure she’d be safe.
Fate intervened that day when a worker from a nearby dog grooming shop noticed Lunita and contacted LUBA Salta, a local rescue organization. Two compassionate volunteers quickly arrived to pick her up. They brought her to a shelter, where she was given immediate attention and care. From there, she was placed into a foster home. Her story was posted online with the hope that someone—anyone—might step forward and offer her a permanent, loving home. At first, no one did. Weeks passed. Then, something unexpected happened.
A family from the United States expressed interest in adopting Lunita. It was the start of a new chapter, filled with hope and anticipation. A fundraiser was launched to cover the costs of transporting her from Argentina to the U.S. Many people came together to support her journey, believing that this new beginning would give Lunita the love and care she deserved. But unfortunately, her new home did not turn out to be the safe haven everyone had hoped for.
Lunita’s new family lacked the experience necessary to care for a paralyzed dog. During her stay, she developed a severe staph infection due to a mite-infested bed. The infection spread quickly, and her condition deteriorated. She began to struggle with breathing, and her future looked uncertain once again. That’s when another family stepped in—this time, one that was ready to do whatever it took to help her heal.
The damage done to Lunita’s body was extensive. She had lost all the fur on the lower half of her body due to scabies, infections, and urine burns. Her tail was bare, and her thin frame weighed only 35 pounds—far below the healthy weight for a dog her size. The physical pain she endured was unbearable. She would scream in agony whenever someone tried to clean her or tend to her sores. Still, with unwavering love and expert medical care, her new family helped her recover. Slowly but surely, Lunita began to regain her strength.
In this new chapter of her life, Lunita finally got to experience joy. She saw snow for the first time. She traveled with her family, made new friends, and discovered the simple pleasures of playtime and cuddles. She attended birthday parties—one of which was especially meaningful. On June 15, 2018, Lunita turned eleven years old. Her family threw her a special birthday celebration, complete with dog-friendly cake and surrounded by people and fellow pups who loved her. It was one of the happiest days of her life.
But life can be cruelly unpredictable. Not long after her birthday celebration, Lunita became seriously ill. Her condition worsened rapidly, and she had to be admitted to the ICU. Her breathing grew more difficult by the day. Every time doctors tried to take her off oxygen, her tongue would turn blue, a sign that her little body couldn’t cope anymore. Her family was heartbroken. They knew that the time had come to say goodbye.
Lunita passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her. Her final moments were filled with warmth, care, and the presence of people who saw her not as a burden, but as a beautiful soul. Her adoptive mom took to Facebook to share her grief and gratitude. “I will never forget her and how much she meant to me,” she wrote. “She changed my life forever. I loved her so much.”
Though Lunita’s journey came to an end, her story continues to inspire people around the world. She represents resilience, hope, and the power of compassion. Despite everything she endured—abandonment, illness, pain—she found joy in the final years of her life. She was loved. She mattered. Her story is proof that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to shine through.
Let Lunita’s life be a reminder to never give up, to see the beauty in those who are often overlooked, and to cherish every moment we have with the ones we love. Her journey reminds us that sometimes, the most broken souls are the ones with the most to give.
If Lunita’s story touched your heart, please share it with your friends on Facebook. Let her legacy continue to inspire kindness and understanding for all animals in need. Rest peacefully, sweet Lunita. You were truly one of a kind.
