Pituka

About the Campaign

Pituka is a female toy Poodle, estimated to be around 8–12 years old, who needs dental treatment to address a painful, worsening mouth problem. Maria says Pituka’s breath has become extremely foul, and she sometimes paws at her mouth. These are signs that can point to advanced dental disease and infection. Left untreated, dental disease can become extremely painful and can affect overall health, including the heart.

Maria noticed the odor getting worse and worried Pituka was in pain, so she took her to the vet about two months ago. One complication is that Pituka doesn’t tolerate being handled—she won’t let strangers touch her—so the vet has to sedate her for a proper exam. That means even getting a diagnosis and treatment plan requires anesthesia, and the costs add up quickly, especially if extractions are needed.

Pituka has been Maria’s constant companion for seven years. Maria adopted her from a shelter in Santa Monica after she decided to visit shelters around Los Angeles, finally ready to have the dog she’d always wanted growing up. Pituka wasn’t immediately friendly, Maria jokes she was “mean” at first, but over time she chose Maria completely. Now Pituka goes everywhere with her: bike rides, restaurants, the beach. She is always always by Maria’s side.

The barrier is money. Maria is her father’s caretaker and lives with him. Her dad, Fernando, is 82, has diabetes, and needs daily support—medications, meals, cleaning, and shopping—because he is increasingly forgetful. Maria only receives about 33 hours a month for caregiving, which isn’t enough to cover both household expenses and a major vet procedure.

Maria wants Pituka comfortable and safe, but she can’t do it alone. Dental issues don’t get better with time, and when a dog is already showing signs of pain, waiting often means more infection, more extractions, and more suffering.

Donations will help cover Pituka’s veterinary dental care, including sedation for examination, cleaning, and any extractions the veterinarian determines are necessary. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate is below, click to enlarge: