A dachshund known as Newt has become an internet sensation following his adoption by Melanie Price and her husband. The dog, who bears a distinctive crooked snout, was returned by a previous adopter who cited issues with their other dogs. However, Newt’s new family has embraced him, and his unique looks have captured the hearts of many.
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Newt was just 11 weeks old, originally named Twister, when he was rescued by Sherry from Dream-A-Dream Dachshunds in Pflugerville, Texas. Sherry took in Newt and a dozen other dogs, many of whom had suffered from neglect. Newt’s crooked nose is thought to stem from a jaw injury sustained when he was attacked by another dog at his previous home. Unfortunately, the injury went untreated, but Sherry managed to rehabilitate him and the other pups after they had contracted Parvo, with a few sadly not surviving the ordeal.


When Melanie Price first came across Newt’s image, she was not actively seeking a new pet, having already adopted three dogs. “I showed my husband a picture of Newt, and he didn’t say much,” she recalled. It wasn’t until Newt was returned by his first family that Melanie’s husband acted, secretly applying to adopt the dachshund despite her initial reluctance based on their already full household.
The family who had adopted Newt previously found themselves unable to integrate him with their dogs, leading to his return. However, Melanie had kept Newt on her mind since discovering him. “I told my husband I had not stopped thinking about him since that first day,” she shared. He submitted an application without informing her, surprising her later with the good news that they were accepted.
Upon meeting Newt, Melanie described his joyful entrance as he bounded into the room, full of excitement. Initially wary of their oldest dog, Oscar, who tends to assert dominance over new arrivals, Melanie watched with relief as Oscar quickly took Newt under his wing. The dynamic between Oscar and their younger dog, Luna, has blossomed, with Luna taking on a big sister role, readily welcoming Newt into the family fold.
To document Newt’s journey, Melanie set up a TikTok account called “Newt with the Crooked Snoot.” She created an Instagram profile to avoid overwhelming her personal social media feeds with Newt’s updates. Recently, one of her posts became viral, prompting her to share more of Newt’s story and bringing a wave of attention to his charming antics.
Melanie has been taken aback by the emotional responses she receives from followers. Many viewers share how Newt’s videos touch them, often to the point of tears. “It has happened on multiple occasions where someone will stop us in public and just start crying when they see him,” she said, expressing surprise at the depth of connection people feel towards the dog.
Though Newt has had a challenging start to life, Melanie describes him as loving and playful. “He’s always making us smile,” she remarked, noting that his silliness is one of her favourite traits. Despite being Newt’s third owner, he has adapted well to his new family, creating an uplifting atmosphere in their home.
A common inquiry Melanie receives revolves around Newt’s ability to eat and drink, given his jaw’s unusual shape. She reassured followers that he has no difficulties despite the modified form of his bowl which allows him to eat comfortably. Although some have suggested surgical correction for his snout, Melanie has no plans for such intervention. According to her, Newt’s recent vet check revealed no issues that would necessitate surgery, and they view his distinctive appearance as part of his charm.
Melanie aims to convey an important message through Newt’s story; that physical differences don’t define an animal’s capabilities or worth. “He can do everything that any other dog can do. Just because someone looks or acts differently doesn’t mean that they can’t do the same things as everyone else,” she emphasised.
In sharing Newt’s journey, Melanie and her husband not only provided him a loving home but also help to raise awareness about the importance of kindness and acceptance, challenging perceptions surrounding animals with unique physical traits. Through his viral fame, Newt continues to inspire compassion and understanding, proving that love knows no boundaries, even when appearances differ.
