Two dogs with distinct facial features have developed a strong bond after being adopted into the same family five years apart.
Picasso and Newt, each with their own unique characteristics, reside with Liesl Wilhardt, the 53-year-old founder and director of Luvable Dog Rescue, on a 55-acre property in Eugene, Oregon. Liesl adopted Picasso in 2017 following the death of his brother, Pablo. In 2021, four years later, Newt joined the family. Liesl notes that since then, the two dogs have become inseparable companions.
A five-year-old dog named Picasso was born with a condition known as wrymouth, which causes one side of his jaw to grow unevenly, giving his face a crooked appearance reminiscent of a Pablo Picasso painting, which is how he got his name. Although this condition isn’t painful, it does make daily life more difficult and reduces his chances of being adopted.
Newt, however, lost his upper jaw in an accident after being bitten by his mother. Despite this setback, he has successfully adapted to living with the deformity.
Liesl shared, “It was a miracle that Picasso survived as an infant, as he even struggled to feed from his mother.”
Both dogs are now living joyful lives, despite the physical challenges they’ve encountered. Liesl observes that they’ve completely adjusted and experience no discomfort.
“Picasso and Newt are both incredibly social,” Liesl shared. “They enjoy meeting new people and are always eager to say hello when we’re out. People often do a double-take, staring in surprise as they try to understand what they’re seeing.”
Liesl reflected on how her bond with Newt deepened as he grew older. “I adore Picasso and Newt with all my heart. They’re so loving, joyful, smart, and full of energy,” she said.
Liesl frequently posts videos of the dogs, showcasing their playful adventures, hikes, and life on the farm. Picasso has even gained his own following on Instagram, amassing close to 400,000 followers.
In 2017, Liesl described Picasso as a “remarkable dog with a unique temperament.” As a certified therapy dog, Picasso plays a special role as an ambassador for Luvable Dog Rescue, providing support to individuals with disabilities or health challenges.
“I adore him, and after all he’s been through, I want the rest of his life to be nothing short of wonderful,” Liesl shared.
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