Meet Sonny: Our Brave and Loving Pittie Mix

Sonny is a 1-year-old pittie mix with the kindest spirit and an incredibly tolerant nature. We rescued Sonny to be a companion and playmate for our 3-year-old pittie, MayBelle. From the moment they met, MayBelle knew that Sonny needed gentleness and love, and they quickly became inseparable friends.

When we first brought Sonny home, we believed he had an autoimmune disorder affecting his joints and hoped he would outgrow it to live a healthy life. However, after a severe joint bleed that nearly cost him his life, we discovered that Sonny was actually suffering from hemophilia A. By then, Sonny had already stolen our hearts, and we entrusted his care to the amazing team at PASE in Philly, who saved his life and helped us develop a plan to manage his disease.

Despite our best efforts, Sonny experienced another major bleed, this time in his chest. The outlook was grim, but Sonny's charm and resilience, which we call "the Sonny effect," won over everyone at PASE, and they saved his life once again.

Sonny is truly special, embodying pure love and joy even on the toughest days. Some days he needs complete rest and assistance walking, while other days he is eager to play like any other puppy, even though we have to find safe ways for him to expend his energy. Despite his limitations, Sonny has the best personality. He is sweet and cuddly, spunky and curious, persistent, and has the world's best head tilt!

We know that our dogs' lives are never long enough, but we hope that with the help of veterinary research and clinical trials, Sonny and his fellow hemophiliac friends can enjoy lives filled with the freedom to play, roam, chew, jump, run, wrestle, chase baseballs, and do all the things that fill their dreams.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Sonny's journey. We strive to give him the best life possible.

*Donations will assist in meeting the fundraising efforts of gene therapy for all canine candidates none of which are guaranteed treatment (dogs have to pass a medical clearance to be eligible)