A rescue dog whose jaw was destroyed by a mysterious infection has made a miraculous recovery and found a loving home. Two-year-old pit bull Bud was left at a Mexican animal shelter in summer 2020 with a horrific infection causing his jaw to decay, leaving him 'smelling like death'.
Workers at the shelter were unsure if they could save him, but San Diego-based Animal Pad stepped in. They brought Bud to the US, where a vet performed risky surgery to remove the rotting half of his jaw. The operation was successful, and Bud was back on his feet the next day, barking and wagging his tail.
Bud's story caught the eye of San Diego journalist Jill Castellano, 27, who saw his picture on Instagram. After meeting him in a park, she adopted him in late July 2020. Bud now lives happily with Jill and her partner Andrew, 30, despite his tongue permanently hanging out of his mouth.
'He loves to cuddle under the covers at night. During the day, he runs around and plays with his toys. He doesn't let his half-a-jaw or crazy tongue stop him from having a good time,' Jill said. Bud can still eat without teeth, though he makes a mess due to his tongue.
Jill often receives questions about Bud's tongue, which drags on the ground during walks. She brushes it when dirty, but he usually cleans it himself. Bud has become an Instagram star, with his lopsided face winning hearts online.
