The Picasso is a masterpiece for its new owner.
“Watching him yawn is one of my greatest joys,” Zoe Ramagnano, VMD, tells PEOPLE.
Ramagnano, director of veterinary medicine for Paws for Life K9 Rescue in Los Angeles, first encountered the dog, born with a distorted face, when he was transferred from the East Valley Animal Shelter to Paws for Life K9 Rescue.
The rescue learned about Picasso from one of their “lifesaving liaisons” who helps out at the East Valley Animal Shelter and notified Paws for Life K9 Rescue that the dog needed the nonprofit’s care.
The transfer was arranged because Paws for Life K9 Rescue, a no-kill organization, had the resources to address Picasso’s additional needs.
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Picasso, a dog born with a distorted face rescued by Paws for Life K9 Rescue.
LouAnne Brickhouse
“Picasso was born with a rare facial deformity called left campylorrhinis lateralis and prognathia. The layman’s term for his facial deformity is a crooked nose,” explains Ramagnano.
While the medical condition gives Picasso’s face a unique look, it does not affect his ability to enjoy the life of a dog.
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“Despite his deformity, he lives a completely fulfilled and happy life. He can eat by himself and uses his nose to smell all the nice smells outside. He plays with other dogs and toys. He is even able to chew bones, although he does it sideways,” says Ramagnano about Picasso, whom he describes as “confident, loving, goofy, loyal, intelligent and affectionate”.
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Picasso rescue dog.
Rita Earl
Ramagnano can well describe Picasso’s personality because it is set as a pet dog. After spending time treating and caring for a dog through Paws for Life K9 Rescue, she plans to adopt Picasso soon.
“He is magical and I completely fell in love with him” says the director of veterinary medicine.
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She hopes Picasso’s story shows those unconvinced that “beauty is more than skin deep” and encourages potential pet adopters to consider animals with special needs. Often, the additional care these pets require does not take as much time as it seems at first glance.
“He requires daily face wiping and will need regular teeth cleaning,” Ramagnano says of Picasso’s needs, adding, “We consulted three vets regarding his deformity. None of them recommended surgical correction because he is comfortable and able to function normally , regularly.”
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Source: HIS Education