Santi was found as a stray on Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York, in 2024 and brought to the shelter, where she was quickly adopted. A year later, she was returned due to separation anxiety, and her search for a family began all over again. Santi spent over 150 days at Animal Care Centers of NYC, and during that time, she was a volunteer favorite. They tried their best to find her a home, but eventually her time ran out.
NYC Pawsome Squad
Santi was placed on the euthanasia list due to medical concerns. The volunteers who loved her worked tirelessly to find someone who could help her, but as the deadline approached, they had no luck. With 48 hours left, one volunteer posted a tearful plea, hoping it would reach the right person.
And it did: Justin Theroux. The actor, known for his roles in The Leftovers, Mulholland Drive and American Psycho, is a fierce animal advocate and the dad of a rescue pittie, Kuma, who even has her own Instagram account. He often uses his fame to change the perception of pit bulls and show everyone how wonderful they are. He reposted Santi’s post, and from there, someone else saw it and stepped forward to foster her. Just like that, Santi was saved.
NYC Pawsome Squad
Santi was pulled from the shelter by NYC Pawsome Squad and placed in a foster home. The rescue quickly set about getting her the care she needed, which included getting her medical issues figured out. Unfortunately, they suspected she had degenerative myelopathy, a canine condition that is often compared to ALS in humans.
NYC Pawsome Squad
Despite her struggles, Santi’s spirit never dimmed. She was so thrilled to be out of the shelter and in a real home, and was clearly loving every moment.
“The idea of her story ending in a shelter didn’t feel right — so people stepped in to rewrite it,” Chelsea Domaleski, communications manager at Animal Farm Foundation, told The Dodo.
NYC Pawsome Squad
Santi’s rescuers are still learning exactly what her medical needs are and what she may need going forward. Her foster family has committed to keeping her long-term in a “fospice” situation if necessary, but they also haven’t given up hope of finding her a forever home.
“What Santi needs most is a calm, understanding home that can offer stability, patience and love as she navigates ongoing health challenges,” Domaleski said. “A relaxed environment with a secure backyard would be ideal for her — somewhere she can safely enjoy fresh air, gentle exploration and quiet comfort at her own pace. She is not looking for an active or high-energy household, but rather a soft landing where her well-being comes first.”
NYC Pawsome Squad
Santi’s journey has been long and fraught, but now she’s safe with people who are committed to making sure she’s loved for the rest of her days.
If you’d like to help Santi, you can donate to her GoFundMe.
If you’re interested in adopting Santi, you can contact NYC Pawsome Squad for more information.
Pittie With Rare Condition Waited 3 Years For A Home — Now She Stuns Everyone Who Meets Her“She does everything a dog without the condition does.”