Dea, the Abandoned and Sick Puppy, Is Looking for a Very Special Family
Found abandoned on the side of a Sicilian highway, Dea, a two-month-old mixed-breed puppy, is now facing an even greater challenge: a serious illness that's making it difficult for her to find a forever home. Her story, unfolding in Agrigento, has touched the hearts of many, but her medical condition is sadly scaring away potential adopters.
Rescued from the roadside
About a month ago, a local shelter in Sicily received an urgent report: two puppies were seen wandering dangerously close to cars on a busy highway. Volunteers rushed to the scene with a cardboard box to collect them before tragedy struck.
Both puppies appeared healthy and had likely been recently abandoned. No one came forward to claim them, and the shelter quickly provided all the necessary vaccinations. The male puppy was adopted almost immediately. Dea, however, had to wait a little longer—though interest in her was strong.
A rare condition changes everything
Shortly after arriving at the shelter, a volunteer named Rita noticed something strange. Every time Dea ate, she experienced intense hiccups and visible convulsions in her neck. Alarmed, the team rushed her to a vet for x-rays and testing. The diagnosis: megaesophagus.
"This condition prevents food from moving properly down the esophagus and instead causes it to enter the lungs," Rita explained. "It leads to bronchitis, choking, and can even reach the stomach. Surgery is not an option—it’s risky and wouldn’t fix the issue long-term.”
Adoption plans fall through
Just as a family was preparing to adopt Dea, the shelter had to make a difficult call. “We felt it was essential to find someone with the capacity to manage her condition,” said one volunteer.
Megaesophagus requires highly specialized care. Dea cannot eat from a bowl on the floor—her head must be kept upright during meals using a special harness. After every meal, she also needs to remain upright for at least 15 minutes to aid digestion and prevent aspiration.
Looking for a home with time and patience
Even the most well-meaning families find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of Dea’s condition. “The ideal family must be familiar with the illness,” said Rita. “She needs someone with plenty of time and patience. Her meals need to be carefully spaced, and she isn’t a dog like any other.”
Dea is currently two and a half months old and available for adoption anywhere in Italy. Anyone interested in giving her a second chance at life can contact the volunteers at +39 327 3160176.
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