Willy Wonka gets new ears: Dog who lost ears in attack has crocheted ears now

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A rescue dog in California now has a new set of ears that could be the key to finding a new home.

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Willy Wonka is a Bulldog-Terrier Pit Bull mix who was attacked by a pack of dogs while his owner was away.

“The neighboring dogs were able to push through the fencing in the backyard and attack Willy, leaving traumatic injuries to his ears,” The Sacramento SPCA told KTVU.

Sadly, the damage to Willy’s ears was so bad that they needed to be amputated, leaving the dog able to hear but without ear flaps.

Willy’s owner surrendered his pet because of the cost of his medical care and concerns about another attack, the SPCA told KTVU.

Registered veterinary technician John Holmquist helped take care of Willy and decided to crochet a new pair of ears “so he wouldn’t feel too out of place,” the SPCA wrote on Willy’s adoption page.

The dog now sports a purple headband with cream-colored ears that match his coat.

SPCA officials hoped that his new ears and interest in Willy’s story would help find the dog a new home. And it did, but not for long.

Willy was adopted by a family but he was returned the next day after the dog that already lived in the home didn’t get along with Willy, so now the “no-eared wonder dog” is looking for a permanent placement.

“Willy is a very happy-go-lucky guy and despite his traumatic story, still appears to enjoy the company of other dogs!” Sarah Varanini, the SPCA’s communications manager, told KTVU. “He has lived with children in the past and loves to snuggle, especially on the couch.”

According to the SPCA, Willy Wonka is just over 2 years old and weighs about 75 pounds.

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