A pit bull with a unique face has captured hearts after being found abandoned on the streets of Chicago.
Picasso, who is thought to be between four and five years old, was found on the streets by the police who took him to a local shelter.
“Picasso was brought to us as a stray by the Chicago Police Department, specifically from the 7th District,” Armando Tejeda, public information officer at Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), told Newsweek.
The dog’s most distinctive feature—a noticeable facial deformity—raised immediate questions. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any background information on how his facial deformities occurred. At this time, it’s unclear whether they are congenital or the result of past trauma,” Tejeda said.
While his facial features are still a mystery, Picasso did arrive with some other medical concerns and will have a full evaluation. “He is currently being treated for a skin infection and an upper respiratory infection,” Tejeda said. “He will be receiving a full veterinary evaluation to better understand the extent of his condition. This may include consultation with a neurologist or other specialists depending on what the exam reveals.”
While there is uncertainty about Picasso’s medical background, his future is looking bright.
“We’re happy to share that Picasso will be leaving our care and going to It’s A Pittie Rescue, a trusted rescue partner, where he will receive the medical attention he needs,” said Tejeda. “Once his health is stabilized and any necessary treatment plans are in place, he’ll be made available for adoption through their organization.”
That trusted partner, It’s A Pittie Rescue (IPR), immediately stepped in to take over Picasso’s care. Katie Voss, president of IPR, described the quick outpouring of interest in Picasso, telling Newsweek: “We have already had about five foster applications come in for him, and we began the approval process for those individuals today.”
IPR’s adoption process is thorough, Voss explained: “Our process includes a phone interview, reference checks (including vet, shelter, and animal control), a background check, and a home visit.”
Despite Picasso’s striking face, the rescue don’t believe he needs any special treatment, just a loving home to call his own. “As far as we know, he doesn’t require any special accommodations in a home, just a dedicated person or family who will give him the love, time, and care he deserves,” said Voss.
Founded in 2011 and based in the Chicago area, IPR specializes in helping pit bulls from overcrowded shelters find loving homes. “Once we pull a dog, they are placed in a committed foster home where they begin their new chapter. Every dog receives thorough veterinary care, including any specialized treatment they may need, before being made available for adoption,” Voss said.
Last year, another dog with a facial deformity gained viral attention after she was overlooked in a shelter in Anaheim, California. Luna had difficulties breathing and struggled as a result of her face shape.
While a Labrador who was left with a disfigured jaw after a cancer battle melted hearts in a viral video on TikTok in 2024. Remington had a facial cyst at just 18 months old and specialist care helped him into remission.
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