Two special dogs with unique facial deformities, Picasso and Newt, have become the best of friends after being adopted into the same loving home, despite joining the family five years apart.
Both dogs live with Liesl Wilhardt, the 53-year-old founder of Luvable Dog Rescue, on her expansive 55-acre property in Eugene, Oregon. Liesl first adopted Picasso in 2017, after the heartbreaking loss of his brother Pablo. In 2021, she welcomed Newt into her family. Now, these two one-of-a-kind dogs are inseparable.
Five-year-old Picasso was born with a condition called wrymouth, causing one side of his jaw to grow longer than the other, giving him a distinctively crooked smile. Although this doesn’t cause pain, it did make life harder for Picasso and reduced his chances of being adopted.
Newt, who joined Picasso four years later, suffered a terrible accident when his mother bit him, leaving him without an upper jaw.
“It’s truly a miracle Picasso survived as a puppy,” Liesl shared. “It was challenging for him to even nurse from his mother.”
Today, both Picasso and Newt lead happy, fulfilling lives.
“They absolutely love people and thrive on attention,” Liesl said, describing how the dogs interact with the world. “When we’re out in public, people often do a double-take when they see them, trying to make sense of their unusual appearances.”
Despite their unique looks, Liesl assures that Picasso and Newt aren’t in any pain. “They’ve adapted beautifully to their physical challenges and can do almost anything they want.”
Liesl’s love for her two dogs is evident. “I adored Picasso and Newt from the very beginning,” she said. “Newt has such a playful nature—he loves to wrestle and is so good-natured. Their bond has grown stronger as Newt has matured, and I love them both dearly. They’re incredibly loving, intelligent, and happy dogs.”
Liesl frequently shares videos of the dogs’ daily adventures, whether they’re playing, hiking, or picking berries together. Picasso, in particular, has a large following on Instagram, where nearly 400,000 fans tune in to see his antics.
In 2017, Liesl described Picasso as “an extraordinary dog with an exceptional temperament.” She knew instantly he was special, and today, Picasso is a certified therapy dog, representing Luvable Dog Rescue as its ambassador.
Reflecting on Picasso’s journey, Liesl said, “He’s been through so much in his life. I’m determined to make the rest of it truly wonderful.”
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