SPCA New Zealand

A speedy recovery: Caramella’s story of resilience

11 March 2026

Despite arriving at SPCA injured and in pain, nothing could dim this young pup’s bright and friendly personality.

A speedy recovery: Caramella’s story of resilience

One summery day in February, an SPCA Inspector was called out to attend to a small, injured puppy, who was bleeding from both sides of her nose and struggling to breathe. Realising she needed serious medical attention, they transported her to our Māngere Centre via ambulance – where despite only being eight weeks old and in a world of pain, she remained friendly and allowed the vet team to examine her easily.

Our vet team discovered a large cut in her mouth which reached all the way to her nasal cavity, effectively degloving the top of her mouth. She would need to go into surgery immediately. Once in theatre, it was also discovered that she had a broken cheekbone, which led the vet team to think she may have been hit by a car.
A tan dog is anaesthetised on a surgery table.
Caramella underwent immediate surgery for her degloved jaw.
After her wounds were stitched up, the puppy quickly showed her resilience. She remained her friendly, bubbly self and was very easy to care for, eating and gaining strength quickly even after such a grueling procedure. The team named her Caramella, for her obvious heart of gold.
A tan puppy wears a pink cast and a large yellow cone.
Caramella was given lots of snuggles and love while she recovered.
A tan and brown puppy sits on a concrete floor.
Caramella's heart of gold was obvious from the start.

During her recovery, Caramella’s gentle nature and playful personality quickly won the hearts of the hospital staff and canine team.Our vets and nursing team ensured that, along with medical care, she was met with many cuddles to support the healing process.After only a couple days of post-op care, our vets described her as “happy and not showing symptoms of pain" – proving how strong and spirited she was!

Once out of the hospital, Caramella became very popular around the Centre. She absolutely loves going on walks with our volunteers; she is a true social butterfly and makes herself at home in any situation. If she is greeting visitors or saying hello to other animals, Caramella is always smiling and wagging her tail.
A tan dog plays with a red and white rope toy on sunny grass.
Caramella's spirit never wavered, even after everything she's been through!

Now, Caramella is on the hunt for something new: a forever family to share her life with. Whether you’re someone who enjoys relaxing at home or you prefer to go on adventures outside, Caramella will happily be there beside you. She is the kind of pup that is simply happiest when she is with her people.

Caramella has already overcome so much at such a young age. Now that she is healed, she is ready to begin a new journey in her life. What she needs now, more than ever, is a loving family who can give her the joyful and safe future she deserves.
A tan dog wearing a green harness lays on a grassy lawn, looking relaxed.
Caramella needs a home where she can enjoy being a puppy, with her people by her side.
She is ready to bring her affectionate personality, calm confidence, and plenty of puppy cuddles to the lucky family who adopts her. Could you be Caramella’s forever home?
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