Sassy the Pit Bull was born to a backyard breeder in New York. When the volunteers at Forgotten Pets of Long Island took her into their rescue as a tiny pup, they expected her to have a short and painful life.
Their goal was to show her a bit of kindness and comfort in the time she had left. Now, four years later, Sassy is strong, happy and most of all – loved! She has an adoptive dad and two special needs fur siblings.
Sassy was born with several birth defects. She has canine dwarfism, resulting in skeletal deformities and her tiny stature (she is about a quarter the size of an average Pit Bull). Her front legs curve inwards and when she walks she bears her weight on her forearms instead of her “flipper-like” feet.
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Sassy’s human father, Ernie Altamirano describes her walk as more of a “twerk” due to her severe hip dysplasia. Aside from her mobility issues, Sassy also suffers from respiratory problems and has an extremely large tongue that does not seem to fit inside her mouth most of the time.
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With all her physical setbacks, veterinarians did not expect Sassy to live past her third birthday. Her internal and external issues cannot be repaired and will eventually shorten her life. Altamirano plans to spoil her, keep her comfortable and show her unconditional love until she lets him know “it’s time to earn her wings.”
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For now Sassy is four-years-old and still living her life to the fullest. Although she has to be carried up and down stairs and pushed in a stroller for long distances, Sassy loves to run. She enjoys playing with the larger pups at the dog park and doesn’t seem to notice that she is smaller or different. She cannot bark, but she will “clap” her jaws together in excitement.
Those lucky enough to know Sassy are always impressed with her bravery and the fact that she does not let her physical limitations hold her back. Altamirano told The Dodo:
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To see updates on her inspiring adventures, follow Sassy – The Small Wonder on Facebook.
H/T to The Dodo
Featured Image via Facebook/Sassy- The Small Wonder
