Born into a breeding facility. The breeder noticed something wasn’t right — he wasn’t gaining weight, he was vomiting after nearly every meal, and his tiny chest crackled with every breath. Faced with a decision, the breeder chose to surrender him to rescue — and Rosie’s stepped in without hesitation.
Our volunteers drove out to bring Oakley and his companion Agathe to safety. He was under weight and frail, but there was something in his eyes we couldn’t ignore — hope.
We promised him, right then and there, that he would fight along side with him.
Since then, Oakley has undergone months of testing, scans, and appointments with specialists. And yet, no one has ever seen a case quite like his. What we’ve discovered is this: Oakley has pockets down his esophagus — abnormal formations that trap food, saliva, and medications, making it nearly impossible for him to digest food properly. Some days he regurgitates, others he’s up all night with a gurgling stomach, and some days he's a wild happy-go-lucky puppy. Every day is a different challenge.
And still, Oakley thrives.
He plays, he cuddles, and he adores his foster siblings — especially his very best friend, a 95lb shepherd mix (another Rosie Dog, of course) . Despite his chronic condition, Oakley is gaining weight, finding joy, and living life like any puppy should: surrounded by love.
Because Oakley’s health is so complex and unpredictable, one decision became very clear: he will not be adopted out.
Instead, his foster family — who knows his every need, every quirk, every sign of discomfort — will remain his forever home. This decision was made with Oakley’s emotional and physical wellbeing in mind. Another transition, new smells, a new routine — it would be far too much for his fragile system. He is safe where he is. He is loved. And he is home.
We don’t know how long Oakley has. It’s a reality we’ve had to accept. But we do know that every single day he’s here is a gift — and we will do everything we can to make each of those days full of comfort, peace, love and joy.
Oakley is now on a carefully managed routine of medications, including daily doses of Viagra to ease pressure on his esophagus, along with additional treatments depending on his symptoms for that day. And while we’ll never stop fighting for him, the cost of that fight has hit our emergency fund hard.
If Oakley’s story moves you, please consider donating. Your support will help us cover his ongoing care — and allow us to keep saying yes to the next vulnerable dog who needs us.
From all of us at Rosie’s, and from Oakley — thank you.
