Life often surprises you when you least expect it.
Tasia, a passionate dog lover from Tennessee, had always dreamed of owning the perfect Bully from a breeder. One day, that dream became reality.
She and her family were thrilled when a sweet Bully puppy named Oso joined their household and stole their hearts.
For two years, everything seemed ideal, until Tasia uncovered a devastating secret. Her so-called “perfect dog” was not as perfect as she once believed.
The Secret Behind Oso’s Perfection
Oso seemed flawless in every way. Despite his 80-pound frame and oversized head, which was unusual even for bullies, he was the definition of adorable.
He was a gentle soul who instantly bonded with her family, especially her children. But after two happy years, Oso revealed a heartbreaking reality.
Oso was diagnosed with a genetic heart defect. His heavy breathing and low energy were not just caused by his build and short legs, but by a condition he had been born with.
Sadly, Oso had not been bred responsibly. The very features that made him look so charming were also causing him great difficulty.
He struggled with simple things, like going down stairs without stumbling, and more strenuous activities such as hiking were completely impossible.
“We naively thought getting a puppy from a breeder would mean fewer health issues- WRONG. We’ve learned so much about how dogs are being bred, and how even seemingly “reputable” breeders are using “backyard” breeding practices,” Tasia wrote on Instagram.
Though devastated, Tasia’s experience with Oso completely shifted her outlook on breeding.
How Oso Transformed His Family’s Outlook
Oso’s situation forced Tasia to see things differently. He proved that perfect breeding does not exist, and it made her reconsider everything.
Why spend thousands buying from breeders when countless dogs wait for homes in shelters?
At the time, Tasia had Oso and another dog named Koa, yet she began to feel ready to welcome one more. She also knew many families who had found their dream dogs through adoption.
“Many people think if you want a perfect dog, you need to buy them. One, the perfect dog doesn’t exist. You don’t know what the future holds for that dog. And two, I know people who have their dream dog and they came from a shelter,” says Tasia.
Her new mindset led her to Norcal Bully Breed Rescue, from Sacramento, California, a group that saves bullies with major medical needs. That was where she first saw BamBam, a Frenchie with a bilateral cleft lip and palate.
In her eyes, BamBam was already perfect. The entire family fell in love with him after seeing his photo online. Tasia’s 10-year-old daughter even wrote a touching letter to the rescue, pleading for their application to be considered.
And their wish came true.
BamBam soon became the family’s third dog. He adjusted quickly to his new life, welcomed warmly by Oso, Koa, and the children.
Tasia knew immediately that adopting BamBam was the right choice. The little Frenchie quickly proved her right.
BamBam and Oso seemed to share a unique understanding of one another. Both had endured hardships, but they continued to live joyfully together.
Oso is now five years old and still holding strong. His mom cherishes every day she gets with him, praying for many more.
“Our vets told us she didn’t expect Oso’s life span to exceed 6-8 years. I know that’s just speculation and they could be wrong, but the years go fast and even at a full life expectancy their lives just aren’t long enough,” wrote Tasia.
Oso may not have been the “perfect dog” Tasia once imagined, but in her heart, he became the perfect one.
As Bob Marley once said: “Perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.” For Tasia, that will always be Oso.