"Unicorn Dog" with Bump on Her Head Becomes Local Celebrity with Rescue's Help

Meet Strawberry, the adorable pit bull who has captured the hearts of many on Instagram as Strawberry the Unicorn Dog. This lovable canine has gained a substantial following in no time. The reason behind her enchanting nickname, “unicorn dog,” lies in the gentle protuberance on her forehead, resembling a mystical horn.

When Strawberry found her way to The Labelle Foundation, a foster-based animal rescue located in Los Angeles, she already possessed the distinctive bump. However, that was the least of her concerns. Last year, Strawberry arrived at the foundation in a state of despair.

“She had almost no fur, suffering from an incredibly severe case of mange. The stench was overpowering, and her skin was covered in scabs and flakes, causing her great discomfort. Her coat was a vivid red, with patches of hair scattered here and there,” recalls Laura Labelle, the compassionate founder and CEO of The Labelle Foundation, as she vividly describes Strawberry’s condition upon rescue.

Laura further elaborates, “Her appearance resembled that of a strawberry, hence the name we bestowed upon her.”

Moved by several urgent emails from an animal shelter that was overwhelmed with capacity and desperately seeking relocation options to avoid euthanasia, Labelle made the compassionate decision to save Strawberry.

Laura Labelle vividly remembers the impact that a particular email had on her. It repeatedly arrived, featuring a captivating picture of Strawberry with her prominent head lump and captivating eyes. Labelle was immediately convinced that someone would step forward to rescue this precious soul.

To her surprise, a few days later, another email arrived, conveying the distressing news that Strawberry’s life would be cut short within the next 24 hours if no other rescue came forward.

“Some animals simply touch your soul,” Labelle reflects, explaining the profound connection she felt with Strawberry, which compelled her to hop in her car and embark on a 90-minute journey to retrieve the vulnerable pup that very day.

“When I first met her, she exuded nothing but sweetness, displaying remarkable submissiveness and fear,” Labelle affectionately describes her initial encounter with Strawberry.

Without delay, Labelle whisked Strawberry off to a veterinarian, who would address the dog’s skin troubles and examine the peculiar mass on her head. Apprehensive about the possibility of a brain tumor being the cause of Strawberry’s unicorn horn, Labelle breathed a sigh of relief when the evaluation revealed it to be an innocuous scar.

“In some cases, both in humans and animals, the bone can accumulate behind a scar. It receives incorrect signals and continues to calcify, resulting in the formation of a large, hardened mass,” Labelle elucidates, shedding light on the peculiar nature of Strawberry’s bump.

Regrettably, the origins of Strawberry’s scar pointed towards the possibility of previous trauma. It is conceivable that she may have been struck by a vehicle or subjected to abuse by a previous owner. However, as Strawberry entered the shelter system as a stray, her history remains a mystery.

Upon receiving Strawberry’s diagnosis, Labelle sought the guidance of a surgeon regarding the potential removal of the mass. However, it was determined that the most compassionate course of action would be to leave it untouched, as the bump did not inflict any discomfort on the dog.

“To me, she resembles a little unicorn. I thought, ‘It’s perfect,'” Labelle expresses with fondness, noting that the growth had ceased before Strawberry arrived at The Labelle Foundation.

After her rescue, Strawberry found solace in the care of a dedicated foster parent who provided her with weeks of medicated skin treatments and training. Throughout this period of recovery, Strawberry also had the opportunity to visit the ocean regularly, further aiding her healing process. As a result, she emerged ready to embark on her quest for a forever home.

Destiny smiled upon Strawberry when she captured the hearts of a wonderful family who promptly fell head over heels for her. Today, she thrives in the loving household of Kristen and Jeff Kuhlman, alongside their 11-year-old twins, Claire and Jack. At the time they discovered Strawberry’s adoption profile on The Labelle Foundation’s Instagram page, the family was still mourning the loss of their beloved 17-year-old shepherd/pit bull mix.

After some time had passed, Strawberry reappeared on Instagram, still in search of her forever home. Intrigued by her presence, the South Pasadena family made the decision to submit an adoption application. Before long, they paid a visit to Strawberry at her foster home and were instantly smitten.

“Her demeanor was incredibly warm and exuberant. We knew right then and there that we wanted to bring her home,” Kristen shares with PEOPLE.

Since her adoption in September, Strawberry has seamlessly settled into the Kuhlman household.

“During the initial weeks, she understandably felt a bit apprehensive. Having endured various hardships and multiple relocations, it took her some time to find her comfort zone within our family and adapt to our daily routines. However, within a matter of weeks, she blossomed and truly began to shine,” Kristen reveals.

Today, Strawberry is a loving, cuddly, inquisitive, and mischievous companion.

In place of the timid, hairless dog with red patches that Labelle initially encountered, a friendly canine now stands adorned with a luxurious coat of fur. Strawberry takes immense pleasure in snuggling up with anyone who joins her on the sofa, radiating a newfound sense of warmth and contentment.

Since her adoption, Strawberry has acquired local celebrity status, captivating the hearts of those in her community.

“People are naturally curious about her unique bump and often inquire about its origin. She’s quite recognizable, so she has made many friends in the neighborhood! Everyone she encounters finds her to be absolutely stunning,” Kristen joyfully remarks.

Strawberry’s fame extends beyond her immediate surroundings, as she has amassed a following of over 3,000 devoted fans on Instagram. Kristen explains that the page serves as a platform to celebrate the profound joy that pet adoption can bring to both humans and animals alike.

“I hope that through Strawberry’s story, people will consider giving pet adoption a chance. Countless remarkable animals are eagerly waiting to find loving homes. We believe that Strawberry’s unicorn horn is what makes her truly special. When you look into her eyes, you can sense the deep gratitude she feels for being given a second chance at life,” Kristen passionately expresses.

Strawberry’s journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of compassion and provides inspiration for others to embrace the possibility of rescuing and providing a loving home for a deserving animal.