She was a tiny Daschund mix who probably aspirated when feeding and caught pneumonia. Her condition was serious as she kept gasping for breath and desperately needed oxygen every second. When Sally first arrived, she was a tiny, gasping bundle—barely hanging on.
A breeder who could no longer care for her handed her over, and it was immediately clear she was in critical shape. Her rescuer noticed her turning blue and rushed her into a home nursery and placed her in a special oxygen bubble. Within minutes, the color began returning to her body—but she was entirely oxygen dependent. From that day forward, Sally was lovingly dubbed “the little bubble girl.”
Fighting for Every Breath
The plan was simple: keep her in the bubble until she could breathe on her own, maybe a week or two. But Sally had other plans. Days turned into weeks as she wagged her tail behind the oxygen chamber’s plastic, playfully licking the window and watching the world go by. Her caretakers couldn’t even hug her—the oxygen chamber couldn’t be opened. So, they made her bubble a cozy haven filled with blankets and stuffed toys, and she watched them with curious eyes, always eager to be part of their world.
One Paw Outside the Bubble
Eventually, Sally began pawing to get out. Her first steps outside were full of wonder—but also short-lived, as she couldn’t breathe without support. Yet she kept trying. Her caretakers built her a larger oxygen enclosure where she could move, play, and strengthen her lungs. Slowly, they extended her time outside the chamber. Thirty seconds became a minute, then five, then ten. One day, she stayed out for nearly 30 minutes—and didn’t want to go back. That was the day Sally chose freedom.
A New Home, A New Beginning
Sally’s journey was witnessed day by day by a veterinary technician named Bonnie, who worked alongside her rescuer. When Sally was finally strong enough, Bonnie adopted her. She blended seamlessly into her new family, making friends with other dogs and becoming a favorite with Bonnie’s kids. When she needed a break, Sally would tuck herself into bed—a habit from her oxygen days. Her spirit remained unbreakable, and her curiosity for the world only grew.
Making Up for Lost Time
Sally is now making up for everything she missed. She’s been on walks, explored grassy fields, and even picked out her first toy in a pet store. Though still cautious around water, she’s discovering the world one small adventure at a time. Her family is planning camping trips and dog park visits—celebrating every new experience. From a fragile puppy in a bubble to a playful, curious explorer, Sally’s transformation is nothing short of miraculous. And for those who saved her, watching her run free is the most rewarding gift of all.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
