When Adri Herron, president of Sanctuary Rescue in Midlothian, Virginia, opened an email from a breeder with the subject line “A newborn pit bull with no nose,” her curiosity was instantly piqued.
The breeder, having no experience caring for a puppy with such a unique condition, decided to hand over the 20-hour-old pup to Sanctuary Rescue the very next day.
A New Beginning
Goosie, as the little pup was soon named, couldn’t have landed in a better place.
Since Sanctuary Rescue is a small, foster-based organization, Goosie received the personalized attention she desperately needed.
Her condition was indeed rare—her airways were located on the roof of her mouth, and she was later diagnosed with pituitary dwarfism.
This meant that due to insufficient growth hormone production, Goosie would always retain the appearance of a tiny puppy.
“She literally went everywhere with me for the first five weeks,” Adri recalled. “I’d put her in a tote bag, and she’d wiggle to the top and climb out. I just thought, ‘She’s so feisty, I’m going to get kicked out of a restaurant for smuggling puppies!’”
Challenges Along the Way
Most bottle-fed puppies transition to solid food by the time they’re four weeks old, but Goosie had other plans.
She clung to her bottle until she was 15 weeks old, proving early on that she was going to do things her own way.
However, her journey wasn’t without its scares. In her first few months with Adri, Goosie faced several health crises that landed her in the ICU four times.
There were moments of deep worry, but Goosie’s spirit never wavered.
Just days after each hospitalization, she’d bounce back as if nothing had ever happened. “Really, she deserves all the credit,” Adri said. “Every doctor she’s seen has been completely blown away by her resilience.”
Growing at Her Own Pace
Though her growth was slow, Goosie was determined to prove her doubters wrong.
The day she finally stepped on the scale and hit five whole pounds, it felt like a massive victory. And with that milestone, Goosie embraced her inner diva.
She’s fiercely independent and absolutely adores other animals.
Whether it’s chasing ducks and geese when they honk or engaging in playful tussles with cats, Goosie’s zest for life is undeniable.
She even loves roughhousing with Adri’s personal dog, who weighs a whopping 96 pounds!
A Heart as Big as the World
Despite her size and the unique challenges she faces, Goosie is much more than just a tiny pit bull.
Many people may not see her as a “typical” adult pit bull, but she leads a joyful, healthy life filled with love and adventure.
“There’s nothing cuter to me than a tiny pit bull puppy,” Adri shared. “I just thought she was the greatest thing I’d ever seen!”
Thanks to the unwavering love and care of Adri and the team at Sanctuary Rescue, Goosie continues to thrive in an environment that celebrates her differences.
A Lesson in Love
Goosie’s story is a beautiful reminder that every dog, no matter how they look, has a heart big enough to love every human they meet.
And for that, they deserve all the adoration in the world.