Puppy Who Lost Most of His Nose Now Available for Adoption at Pasadena Humane

A young puppy who arrived at Pasadena Humane in early March with severe facial trauma is now available for adoption, the Pasadena-based nonprofit announced late last week.

The puppy, named Peanut by shelter staff, was brought to Pasadena Humane on March 9 after a good Samaritan found him as a stray, according to Jamie Holeman, the organization’s chief marketing and communications officer. Peanut, believed to be a shepherd-husky mix roughly 2 to 2½ months old at the time of intake, was missing most of his nose and the soft tissue on his upper muzzle. His jaw was dislocated, and the cause of his injuries remains unknown.

Published reports differ on where Peanut was found. The Los Angeles Times, citing Holeman, reported the puppy was rescued in Arcadia. 

Weeks of specialized treatment

Pasadena Humane’s veterinary team began treating Peanut immediately after his arrival. According to a statement on the organization’s official donation page, there was not enough skin to close the wound on his muzzle, so the injury had to heal from the inside out over several weeks. Veterinarians placed a stent in one nostril to try to keep the tissue from closing over as the wound healed, the organization said.

That effort was ultimately unsuccessful. According to an update posted to Pasadena Humane’s donation page on April 17, the organization was unable to keep Peanut’s nostril open, but the puppy has since adapted to breathing through his mouth. His nose will not regrow, the organization stated. The Times reported that Peanut cannot smell.

During his recovery, Peanut was fed soft meals on a flat plate to accommodate his injuries, and Peanut had no trouble eating. The organization said he was closely monitored every day and noted that he might still need additional procedures if his airway begins to close.

Despite the severity of his injuries, staff described Peanut as playful and upbeat throughout his recovery. 

According to Pasadena Humane’s April 17 update, posted to its official donation page, the organization stated that after weeks of specialized care, Peanut was recovering well and was available for adoption.

Community response and fundraising

Peanut’s case drew significant public attention and financial support. Pasadena Humane launched a fundraising appeal through its Miracle Medical Fund, and according to the organization’s official donation page, Fetch Pet Insurance agreed to match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $7,500. 

How to adopt

Pasadena Humane’s adoption process is first-come, first-served, according to its website. The organization is open for adoptions seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Walk-in adoptions are available from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Concierge adoption runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The organization said that adoptions generally include spay or neuter, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations.

Interested adopters can visit pasadenahumane.org/adopt for details. Pasadena Humane is located at 361 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.