Foster Mom Refuses To Put Her Tiny Pit Bull To Sleep After It Was Born A Little Bit Different
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When a nurse practitioner in Westchester County, New York, welcomed a tiny newborn pit bull just barely clinging to life into her home, she knew there was an uphill struggle ahead of her. Marie DeMarco loved little Sasha all the same, though, and that love is what’s pulling both of them through.
Born in early September with an obvious cleft lip and palette, Sasha was unable to nurse, and was already at risk of death on her very first day of life. Animal rescuer Courtney Bellew was called, and after recognizing Sasha’s need for urgent care, she brought the poor thing to DeMarco, who had extensive experience nursing ill kittens. It was then discovered that Sasha also suffered from hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the skull), an upper respiratory infection, a urinary tract infection, and orthopedic issues.
“She has an amazing will and determination,” DeMarco told The Dodo. “Through all this, she really shouldn’t be here.”
Despite Sasha’s harrowing first 3 and a half months, she’s getting stronger every day, and even gets to wear adorable dresses and sweaters to stay warm. Scroll down to learn more about Sasha’s story, and keep track of her progress on the official Facebook pages for FURRR 911 (Marie DeMarco’s rescue agency) and SNARR Animal Rescue Northeast.
Meet Sasha, a 3-month-old pit bull who is defying all odds in her struggle to stay alive
Image credits: furrr911
Little Sasha’s life got off to a rough start, as she was born with cleft lip and palette, making her unable to nurse
Image credits: S.N.A.R.R Animal Rescue Northeast
Animal rescuer Courtney Bellew saw her need for urgent care, and placed her with nurse Marie DeMarco
Image credits: S.N.A.R.R Animal Rescue Northeast
The bad news? Sasha also had fluid in her brain, as well as respiratory, urinary and orthopedic issues
Image credits: Penny The Peanut Pibble
The good news? DeMarco, who was experienced in caring for ill kittens, was prepared to help
Image credits: Penny The Peanut Pibble
3 and a half months into her life, Sasha is getting stronger by day, and has even gained weight
Image credits: furrr911
She even gets to wear fabulous dresses and sweaters to keep her warm!
Image credits: furrr911
“She has an amazing will and determination,” DeMarco said. “Through all this, she really shouldn’t be here”
Image credits: furrr911
Perhaps the most important element in Sasha’s recovery has been the unconditional love surrounding her
Image credits: furrr911
“When I hold her and I’m kissing her, if I hold her near my face, she licks my nose”
Image credits: furrr911
Though Sasha has a long road ahead of her, she has all the support she needs to live as happily as other dogs
Image credits: furrr911
“She was dealt some bad cards in life… Boy, is she loved”
Image credits: furrr911
Some people left less-than-sensitive comments…
But DeMarco was quick to defend the bond between her and Sasha
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In case you've noticed that she kinda looks like a chihuahua, it's the hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the skull). That's really not uncommon in chihuahuas, and it does cause pain and loss of brain function, progressing through life. That's what inbreeding did.
Yes, this is a Chihuahua, it is not a pitbull. That being said she is adorable and deserves every chance at life. People are mean and obviously those who have anything bad to say have never loved a dog.
Because I love my dog as much as I do, I will do my utmost to give her a painfree, happy and peaceful life. And therefore I will put her down when she has nothing ahead of her but a confused, incontinent (she absolutely loathes having poo stuck to her fur) and pain filled life. I owe THAT to her and not a few extra months or years just so I can love her longer.
The dog in this post is NOT a chihuahua. It's a pitbull, who do to a severe health condition that will degenerate over time that is *common* in chihuahuas, looks like one. Animals deserve an existence free from pain, regardless of how attached to them you might be. Keeping a suffering animal alive because you can't bear to take the humane decision is only prolonging their pain. It can be heartbreaking to do, and it's a terrible decision, but you have a responsibility to those creatures. That include deliverance if it's the only feasible option.
I have! But I think it's a shame that totally healthy dogs are sometimes not adopted but people will be like "Oh, don't give up hope on this one who might die or live in constant pain" because a lot of people just like to root for the underdog and pay attention to the most obviously sad cases. I believe in mercy.
I mean, I’m not really convinced that the kinder thing Would have been to put this (adorable) puppy to sleep. It really feels like to me that this poor guy is being kept alive for the sake of internet fame
That's what I've been saying! I see some stories of a similar kind when someone adopts an animal that is considered ugly, but is otherwise healthy, and that's totally fine, GOOD even, but when it comes to one who has the high potential of being in pain throughout it's life, it seems cruel to keep it alive if it's suffering.
If you had a kid born with a cleft lip and had (water on the brain) would you put him down or get the best care for your child? You can live a full and happy life with this condition. With proper medical care. On Facebook I am following a page that has 2 cats with this condition and are full of life and not suffering. They have their mo.emts but overall are well cared for
I agree. As unfortunate as it is, this poor thing is in pain every day, and these people aren’t brave enough, or don’t have the heart to let her go. I f she just looked odd, but wasn’t in pain, that would be a different story. But she has literal fluid in her head! The kinder thing to do here is to let her go.
Bonnie White- “It was then discovered that Sasha also suffered from hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the skull), an upper respiratory infection, a urinary tract infection, and orthopedic issues.” These symptoms actually are painful. Some of them are treatable, but some are painful to be treated, and have after affects.
You're assuming the worst. A cleft palate is not painful and can be repaired if needed. Hydrocephalus is treatable. More stories like hers: https://www.facebook.com/LoveForMiaCleftPalateChihuahua/
Agreed. If it was JUST the cleft lip and palate and it could be later fixed, and the infections, then sure, all for it... but the hydrocephalus will cause that poor animal constant pain not to mention almost certainly be life limiting. Yes, we go to extraordinary measures to save people but sometimes, I honestly believe the kinder thing is to give them release too. Maybe that's because I have the experience of being in constant, severe pain that nothing, not even enough medication to knock out a bull, can really touch.... but apparently, for some people quantity takes over and quality is unimportant when it comes to life.
wouldn’t have been*
What suggests to you that she's "suffering" in any way? She's not on a ventilator, no stomach tube, no invasive machinery or treatments. Her eyes are bright, she's living on her own, not being "forced" to stay alive for anybody else. She's well-cared for, loved, and getting lots of attention. I say leave her be and if she lives, she lives. If she does die, please try to keep your "I told you so" to yourself.
I'm afraid I'm in camp less-than-sensitiv. The poor dog. I really, really hope that when my dog, who I love more than life, is old and sick I'll be able to let her go before she suffers that much.
It's a hard thing to make that decision, but sometimes it's the kindest one. I have had to do it with my aged pets. It doesn't make you less sensitive, it means you're sensitive to your pet's overall quality of life.
Nowhere does it say her quality of life is in doubt.
Not muddying the waters. Just inconvenient for you.That's not really an excuse. You either commit to looking after your pet or you don't have pets.
Ensuring my dog has a good quality of life IS looking after a pet. When dementia hits and a dog is just going in circles, confused, afraid, angry and desperate it is cruel not to end it. When the back is so damaged they can barely crawl, when the tumor on the side of their head is so heavy, they can only lift the head with effort, when they are upset and afraid because they keep soiling themselves and loathe it, then it is our job to pull ourselves together and edn their life. And not reiterating 'but he is still eating', 'but she is still licking my hand' etc etc when it' really about us not being able to let them go. I'm not there, yet, but I am a candidate to wait much longer than necessary. And I really hope someone kicks me in the butt instead of making a soppy post about how much I must love my dog since I do all this expensive treatment for her.
Wrong, and you keep ignoring quality of life. Making the decision to let your companion go, as difficult as it is, is sometimes the right thing to do. We did it for our 13-year-old dog when her rear end began to go out, and she started losing continence. Not because of any mess or imagined inconvenience, but because we knew from experience that she would decline quickly, and we didn't want to prolong her life if her quality of life would be poor.
Looking after means doing what is best for them, to allow them to have the best quality of life. Prolonging their suffering just because you're too attached to let them go is the opposite of that, it's selfish and mean. And yes, I would do it to a human if it was legal, and I would prefer to have it done to me if I was in that position. It's the kind thing to do to let someone who is suffering be freed from it. A human can tell you how they are feeling, a dog can't, so the owner must be responsible and do the right thing, as painful as it might be for them. I have done it before, and I'll do it again if/when the time comes.
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Will you put your grandparents or parents down when they get too old?
A compelling argument, but there are better healthcare options for humans than critters.
This is muddying the waters. As Alia said, humans have better options for end of life care. Please also consider that Oregon has a right-to-die law for terminally ill patients, if they so choose.
In case you've noticed that she kinda looks like a chihuahua, it's the hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the skull). That's really not uncommon in chihuahuas, and it does cause pain and loss of brain function, progressing through life. That's what inbreeding did.
Yes, this is a Chihuahua, it is not a pitbull. That being said she is adorable and deserves every chance at life. People are mean and obviously those who have anything bad to say have never loved a dog.
Because I love my dog as much as I do, I will do my utmost to give her a painfree, happy and peaceful life. And therefore I will put her down when she has nothing ahead of her but a confused, incontinent (she absolutely loathes having poo stuck to her fur) and pain filled life. I owe THAT to her and not a few extra months or years just so I can love her longer.
The dog in this post is NOT a chihuahua. It's a pitbull, who do to a severe health condition that will degenerate over time that is *common* in chihuahuas, looks like one. Animals deserve an existence free from pain, regardless of how attached to them you might be. Keeping a suffering animal alive because you can't bear to take the humane decision is only prolonging their pain. It can be heartbreaking to do, and it's a terrible decision, but you have a responsibility to those creatures. That include deliverance if it's the only feasible option.
I have! But I think it's a shame that totally healthy dogs are sometimes not adopted but people will be like "Oh, don't give up hope on this one who might die or live in constant pain" because a lot of people just like to root for the underdog and pay attention to the most obviously sad cases. I believe in mercy.
I mean, I’m not really convinced that the kinder thing Would have been to put this (adorable) puppy to sleep. It really feels like to me that this poor guy is being kept alive for the sake of internet fame
That's what I've been saying! I see some stories of a similar kind when someone adopts an animal that is considered ugly, but is otherwise healthy, and that's totally fine, GOOD even, but when it comes to one who has the high potential of being in pain throughout it's life, it seems cruel to keep it alive if it's suffering.
If you had a kid born with a cleft lip and had (water on the brain) would you put him down or get the best care for your child? You can live a full and happy life with this condition. With proper medical care. On Facebook I am following a page that has 2 cats with this condition and are full of life and not suffering. They have their mo.emts but overall are well cared for
I agree. As unfortunate as it is, this poor thing is in pain every day, and these people aren’t brave enough, or don’t have the heart to let her go. I f she just looked odd, but wasn’t in pain, that would be a different story. But she has literal fluid in her head! The kinder thing to do here is to let her go.
Bonnie White- “It was then discovered that Sasha also suffered from hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the skull), an upper respiratory infection, a urinary tract infection, and orthopedic issues.” These symptoms actually are painful. Some of them are treatable, but some are painful to be treated, and have after affects.
You're assuming the worst. A cleft palate is not painful and can be repaired if needed. Hydrocephalus is treatable. More stories like hers: https://www.facebook.com/LoveForMiaCleftPalateChihuahua/
Agreed. If it was JUST the cleft lip and palate and it could be later fixed, and the infections, then sure, all for it... but the hydrocephalus will cause that poor animal constant pain not to mention almost certainly be life limiting. Yes, we go to extraordinary measures to save people but sometimes, I honestly believe the kinder thing is to give them release too. Maybe that's because I have the experience of being in constant, severe pain that nothing, not even enough medication to knock out a bull, can really touch.... but apparently, for some people quantity takes over and quality is unimportant when it comes to life.
wouldn’t have been*
What suggests to you that she's "suffering" in any way? She's not on a ventilator, no stomach tube, no invasive machinery or treatments. Her eyes are bright, she's living on her own, not being "forced" to stay alive for anybody else. She's well-cared for, loved, and getting lots of attention. I say leave her be and if she lives, she lives. If she does die, please try to keep your "I told you so" to yourself.
I'm afraid I'm in camp less-than-sensitiv. The poor dog. I really, really hope that when my dog, who I love more than life, is old and sick I'll be able to let her go before she suffers that much.
It's a hard thing to make that decision, but sometimes it's the kindest one. I have had to do it with my aged pets. It doesn't make you less sensitive, it means you're sensitive to your pet's overall quality of life.
Nowhere does it say her quality of life is in doubt.
Not muddying the waters. Just inconvenient for you.That's not really an excuse. You either commit to looking after your pet or you don't have pets.
Ensuring my dog has a good quality of life IS looking after a pet. When dementia hits and a dog is just going in circles, confused, afraid, angry and desperate it is cruel not to end it. When the back is so damaged they can barely crawl, when the tumor on the side of their head is so heavy, they can only lift the head with effort, when they are upset and afraid because they keep soiling themselves and loathe it, then it is our job to pull ourselves together and edn their life. And not reiterating 'but he is still eating', 'but she is still licking my hand' etc etc when it' really about us not being able to let them go. I'm not there, yet, but I am a candidate to wait much longer than necessary. And I really hope someone kicks me in the butt instead of making a soppy post about how much I must love my dog since I do all this expensive treatment for her.
Wrong, and you keep ignoring quality of life. Making the decision to let your companion go, as difficult as it is, is sometimes the right thing to do. We did it for our 13-year-old dog when her rear end began to go out, and she started losing continence. Not because of any mess or imagined inconvenience, but because we knew from experience that she would decline quickly, and we didn't want to prolong her life if her quality of life would be poor.
Looking after means doing what is best for them, to allow them to have the best quality of life. Prolonging their suffering just because you're too attached to let them go is the opposite of that, it's selfish and mean. And yes, I would do it to a human if it was legal, and I would prefer to have it done to me if I was in that position. It's the kind thing to do to let someone who is suffering be freed from it. A human can tell you how they are feeling, a dog can't, so the owner must be responsible and do the right thing, as painful as it might be for them. I have done it before, and I'll do it again if/when the time comes.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Will you put your grandparents or parents down when they get too old?
A compelling argument, but there are better healthcare options for humans than critters.
This is muddying the waters. As Alia said, humans have better options for end of life care. Please also consider that Oregon has a right-to-die law for terminally ill patients, if they so choose.