A mother’s role in a puppy’s early life is irreplaceable. Her care and affection are what help fragile little furballs grow strong and thrive.
But for one puppy named Moonshine, that tender comfort was something she never got to experience. Born with a deformity that left her unable to walk, she was rejected by her mom.
At only four weeks old, Moonshine was taken to Bosley’s Place Inc., a rescue nursery in Smyrna, Georgia, dedicated to caring for orphaned newborns. The team immediately resolved to help this tiny fighter find health and happiness.
A Safe Haven For Moonshine
Vets diagnosed the little girl with swimmer syndrome, a rare condition that affects newborns. Her front legs were splayed outward, and her flat rib cage compromised her lungs.
Knowing she would need specialized care, the rescue reached out to Beth, one of their fosters experienced with swimmer pups.
Moonshine soon moved into Beth’s home near Atlanta, where she was greeted with warmth and love.
Beth’s own dogs welcomed her instantly, treating her gently as if they knew she needed extra care. For the first time, Moonshine began to feel safe and wanted.
Starting Her Road To Recovery
Beth carefully assessed Moonshine’s condition and put together a treatment plan. Since her back legs were strong, the focus turned to correcting her front legs and helping her rib cage expand to relieve pressure on her lungs.
“… So for now we’re going to focus on her two front legs and more prevention to help alleviate and heal her flat rib cage to provide some relief for her lungs,” Bosley’s Place Inc. shared on Facebook.
Beth gently taped Moonshine’s front legs to prevent her from lying flat and to encourage proper positioning. The puppy didn’t mind one bit — she was too busy soaking up love from her new family.
Beth’s daughters adored Moonshine. They spent hours snuggling with her, showering her with affection, and cheering her on every step of the way. Surrounded by love, the pup fought bravely through her treatment.
A Determined Little Fighter
Soon enough, Moonshine began making amazing progress. She wagged her tail with joy, started walking more confidently, and even began running and playing with her foster sisters.
Her rescuers were overjoyed.
“Moonshine is UNSTOPPABLE! Even her chest is rounding out slightly we are so unbelievably proud of this little fluffy nugget of love,” the rescue wrote in a Facebook post.
Moonshine’s big eyes sparkled with happiness, and her sweet personality shined through more each day. She had truly blossomed.
Beth and her family couldn’t imagine life without her. The little pup had stolen their hearts completely.
On their daughter Jane’s birthday, Beth and her husband surprised her with the best gift of all — they announced that Moonshine was staying forever.
The family officially adopted her, and Jane and her sister were overjoyed to learn their beloved foster pup wasn’t going anywhere.
Moonshine, now lovingly renamed Sage, is living her dream life. No longer the rejected puppy, she is cherished every single day by her family.
Her story is a reminder that love, patience, and compassion can truly work miracles — turning heartbreak into hope.