Sasha, a tiny puppy with a heart of gold, defied the odds and captured hearts around the world with her unwavering spirit. Born with a combination of challenging medical conditions, Sasha’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the unwavering dedication of her rescuer.
Special needs puppy achieves remarkable milestones, thanks to her cat-rescuing foster mom
Overcoming challenges with a fighting spirit
Sasha’s journey began on a seemingly ordinary day in November. However, this was no ordinary puppy. Sasha was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid buildup in the brain, along with cleft lip and palate. These conditions posed significant challenges for the tiny pup. Despite these obstacles, Sasha, from the very beginning, displayed a remarkable fighting spirit.
Marie DeMarco, a dedicated animal rescuer specializing in special needs cats at FURRR 911, became Sasha’s foster mom. DeMarco, used to caring for “perfectly flawed” cats, saw the same strength and determination in Sasha, even though she was a dog. This bond between DeMarco and Sasha blossomed quickly, defying the boundaries of traditional species-specific rescue work.
Overcoming challenges with a fighting spirit
Battling illness and finding strength
Sasha’s fight wasn’t over yet. A common issue for puppies with cleft palates is upper respiratory infections, and unfortunately, Sasha succumbed to one. This seemingly small illness became a critical battle for the already fragile puppy. Symptoms like fever, congestion, vomiting, and weight loss presented a grave threat.
DeMarco’s dedication and vigilance shone through during this difficult time. Witnessing Sasha’s decline, DeMarco sought further veterinary expertise. Undeterred by initial antibiotic treatment failures, DeMarco tirelessly advocated for Sasha, seeking a deeper understanding of the cause behind her continued struggle.
Following a specialist’s guidance, Sasha embarked on a strict regimen of medication, fluids, and tube feedings. This new routine, along with DeMarco’s unwavering support, proved to be the turning point. Slowly but surely, Sasha, the fighter, began to recover.
Battling illness and finding strength
An inspiration with a gentle soul
By the time Sasha celebrated her 12th-week birthday, she had overcome incredible odds. DeMarco, likely to become Sasha’s forever home, described her as a “calm and reserved puppy,” a stark contrast to the feisty fighter she’d been through her illness.
Despite her unique needs, Sasha thrived. She enjoyed cuddling with her feline foster family and wasn’t intimidated by her larger companions. Sasha’s story became an inspiration, a testament to the unwavering will to live, even under the most challenging circumstances.
An inspiration with a gentle soul
A legacy of love and resilience
While Sasha’s journey ended too soon in March 2018, her impact remains. Through social media and the dedicated efforts of FURRR 911, Sasha’s story continues to inspire and educate. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and the profound impact human and animal connection can have. FURRR 911, keeping Sasha’s spirit alive, continues to help cleft-palate puppies and other animals in need.
