The Unbreakable Spirit: Meet Sniffles, the Extraordinary Dog with No Nose and Broken Teeth, Radiating Boundless Love and Compassion.
Sniffles, a brave and resilient dog, has captured the hearts of many after enduring a difficult life. Abandoned in Puerto Rico, he faced relentless attacks from other strays, resulting in the loss of his nose and a myriad of health issues. However, his fortune began to change when he received medical attention in the United States and his story was shared by a local news outlet, attracting numerous potential adopters.
Sniffles’ time in Puerto Rico was marked by terrible living conditions, exposing him to multiple parasites such as hookworms and whipworms. Additionally, his traumatic encounters with other dogs left him with severe wounds and ailments. Recognizing his desperate need for medical care, a local animal rescue group in Puerto Rico arranged for his adoption by a family in the US.
Unfortunately, Sniffles’ placement was short-lived as he frequently ran away, putting himself at further risk due to his ongoing medical needs. Eventually, Poodle and Pooch Rescue in Florida, a volunteer organization that rescues hundreds of dogs annually, took him in on December 19. Determined to find him a loving home, the rescue shared his story on WESH, an Orlando news station, on December 24.
Since then, Sniffles’ luck has taken a positive turn. Over 100 people have reached out to the shelter expressing their interest in adopting him, and his heartwarming story continues to spread. However, finding the right home for Sniffles is crucial. He requires a dedicated adopter who can diligently clean his nasal passage twice a day and provide daily eye drops for his condition known as dry eye. Furthermore, his previous living conditions have left him infested with hookworms, whipworms, and he tested positive for Ehrlichia, a tick-borne disease. Nevertheless, the shelter is providing the necessary treatment, and Sniffles is expected to make a full recovery.
Despite his ailments and hardships, Sniffles remains resilient and full of affection for people. Rebecca Lynch, a spokesperson for the shelter, emphasized his remarkable spirit, saying, “Sniffles is a resilient little boy. Despite his past, he has begun to break out of his shell. He enjoys snuggling, wags his tail, spends time outside, and interacts well with other dogs. Due to his condition, he emits adorable snorting noises.”
Sniffles’ story is not only about his distinctive appearance but also about the countless special needs dogs that require assistance. Poodle and Pooch Rescue receives several of these dogs every week, and while they are currently exploring potential adopters for Sniffles, they hope that those who cannot take him home will consider adopting, fostering, or supporting another special needs pet.
In the meantime, a compassionate woman named Genesis Diaz has been fostering Sniffles. She shared a heartwarming moment, saying, “This morning I woke up and he was at the side of my bed, staring at me. Then he ran over and did a little whirl and started licking my face.” The veterinary staff is equally smitten with Sniffles. Michelle Wacker, the medical director of Poodle and Pooch Rescue, described him as a “wonderful old man” and expressed how everyone at the vet’s office has fallen in love with him. Despite his unique appearance, Sniffles is a healthy dog who simply looks a little different.
Sniffles’ indomitable spirit and boundless love continue to inspire all those who encounter him. Through his journey, he not only seeks a loving home but also raises awareness about the importance of caring for special needs animals.