We all know shelters aren’t the ideal homes for dogs. Sadly, many end up staying there for long periods, especially senior dogs, who often get overlooked for younger pups. Shelters quickly find homes for puppies, as adopters prefer them. This was the expectation at Forgotten, Now Family Rescue, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based organization, when a puppy named DeVito arrived.
However, DeVito’s story took a different turn. Despite initial hopes, his fate was marred by severe health challenges.
Heartbreaking Diagnosis
Photo Credit: forgotten_now_family_rescue/
Forgotten, Now Family Rescue shared DeVito’s story on Instagram. His intake request came from a breeder who noticed he was different from his littermates. “He would grow weak, and his tongue would turn purple, among other symptoms,” they posted. While many at the shelter believed DeVito could recover, Chrissy Elder, the shelter’s owner, sensed something was gravely wrong.
Elder, experienced and compassionate, immediately sought a thorough examination for DeVito. The results were devastating. DeVito had severe S.A.S (Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis), structural heart defects, and complex blood flow issues. He was also suffering from grade 4 heart failure.
The news was crushing. DeVito was inoperable, and the prognosis was grim—he had a maximum of six months to live. This news hit Elder particularly hard, given her own heart condition. But instead of giving in to despair, she resolved to make DeVito’s remaining time filled with love and joy.
Tears of Joy
Photo Credit: forgotten_now_family_rescue/
Elder’s dedication was evident when she decided to spend $3,500 on medications to extend DeVito’s life, even though it wasn’t in the budget. “It wasn’t in our budget but I have no doubt this baby deserves a hospice journey, and I plan to give him the best one,” she wrote.
Despite her heartache over DeVito’s condition, there were moments of happiness. DeVito responded well to the medication, and his health showed signs of improvement. But what brought Elder the most joy was the bond DeVito formed with her special-needs son, Bo.
It was an instant connection. From the moment they met, DeVito and Bo were inseparable. Instead of sadness, there were tears of joy as these two souls found comfort and understanding in each other. Bo finally had a friend who truly loved him, and DeVito had someone to share his final moments with, in pure happiness.
Elder knew that when the time came for DeVito to cross the rainbow bridge, he would do so with a smile, surrounded by a family who loved him dearly. In the end, that’s what truly matters.
