On November 28, Sasha, a special puppy with hydrocephalus, a cleft lip, and palate, marked her 12-week birthday under the care of Marie DeMarco, a rescuer specializing in special needs cats. DeMarco, from FURRR 911, saw Sasha’s potential despite her being a dog.
“She has been a fighter from the beginning and has overcome several difficulties in her short time on this world,” DeMarco stated on Facebook. “I’ve worried and stressed as her foster mom, lost a lot of sleep, and grown a few new grey hairs, but none of it matters when I look into her eyes.”
“Sasha is a very calm and reserved puppy,” says DeMarco, who will most likely go from Sasha’s foster mom to her permanent mom. This is not your average puppy. She loves to sit next to or on top of my foot.”
“This puppy is a great inspiration,” DeMarco added. “Despite her congenital defects and medical condition, Sasha proved to be a fighter with a strong determination to life.”
Update: Sasha crossed the Rainbow Bridge in March 2018, not long after turning 6 months old. She offered love and delight to her human, canine, and feline friends throughout her short life. Sasha’s memory is being kept alive via rescue by FURRR 911, which has now taken in additional cleft-palate puppies.
Gina Gencarelli, a volunteer photographer, took Sasha’s stunning birthday shots.
