Most of us think our dogs are the most special — and in their own ways, they are. We might think they’re the cutest at the dog park, or they just wear their winter jacket better than the Pomeranian down the street. But most of our pets don’t turn heads like a 2-year-old pit bull mix. Affectionately dubbed “Willy Wonka,” this pup wears a pair of hand-knitted ears in style!
Recovering from trauma with love
Willy’s life wasn’t always easy. Before coming to the Sacramento SPCA, he was viciously attacked by other dogs. This led to the amputation of his ears due to the significant damage. Now, Willy wears a replacement set hand-made by shelter staff. Willy seems overjoyed to wear his adorable new floppy ears. He hasn’t let what happened in the past get him down. Shelter staff notes that Willy is outgoing, kind to all, and always ready to make a new friend. According the Sacramento SPCA Facebook page, he was already adopted by a “repeat rescuer.” His new home will receive two sets of ears to accompany him — his knitted pair along with prosthetics.
The dangers of cropping
In Willy’s case, amputation of his ears was the best option for him. But many dogs suffer through injuries to their ears for aesthetic value. Cropping is common practice for breeds such as the Doberman. However, these procedures are painful, and rarely benefit the dog in any way. Cropping has already been outlawed in Quebec. Despite the stereotypes for how your pup’s breed “should” look, don’t cause your dog pain for the sake of your preferred appearance.
