When Adri Herron, president of Sanctuary Rescue, in Midlothian, Virginia, opened an email with the subject line “A newborn pit bull with no nose,” her curiosity was instantly piqued.
The message came from a breeder who admitted she had no idea how to care for such a unique puppy. Less than 24 hours after her birth, the tiny girl was on her way to Sanctuary Rescue, where she would begin a remarkable journey.
Settling Into Rescue Life
The pup, now named Goosie, was born with air passages located in the roof of her mouth. On top of that, she was later diagnosed with pituitary dwarfism, a condition that meant she would always stay small, resembling a perpetual puppy.
For a foster-based rescue like Sanctuary, Goosie’s arrival was a perfect fit. Adri became her constant companion, carrying her everywhere in a tote bag for the first five weeks.
“She literally went everywhere with me for the first five weeks. I just put her in a tote bag, she would always wiggle to the top and climb out and I just thought ‘She’s so feisty, I’m going to get kicked out of a restaurant because I’m smuggling puppies in,’ said Adri.
Unlike most bottle-fed pups who wean at around four weeks, Goosie stayed on her bottle until 15 weeks, enjoying every moment of the extra care.
Close Calls And Scary Nights
Goosie’s fragile health gave Adri more than a few frights during her first months. She fell ill multiple times and even had to be hospitalized in the ICU on four separate occasions.
Each time, Adri feared the worst. But Goosie always bounced back with incredible resilience, acting as though nothing had ever happened.
“Really, she deserves all the credit. Every doctor she has seen is completely blown away by her.“
Proving Everyone Wrong
Despite the doubts of many, Goosie slowly but surely began to grow. Reaching five pounds was a huge milestone for her, one that silenced anyone who thought she might not thrive.
With that growth came a personality that sparkled. Goosie became known as the diva of Sanctuary Rescue, full of confidence and charm.
She’s very independent and she loves other animals. She loves to chase them. When she hears the ducks quacking and the geese honing that always perks her up.
She adored playing with other animals, whether it was chasing ducks and geese whose noises fascinated her or wrestling with cats and Adri’s 96-pound dog.
Although she will never look like a typical adult Pit Bull, Goosie has proven that appearance has nothing to do with happiness or the ability to live a fulfilling life.
There’s nothing cuter to me than a tiny pit bull puppy. I just thought she was the greatest thing I’d ever seen!
Now surrounded by unconditional love, Goosie continues to thrive in her foster home, where her sassy spirit shines brighter every day.
Her story is a reminder that every dog, no matter their size or physical differences, carries a heart capable of giving boundless love. And when given the chance, they often become the biggest inspiration of all.