Santi was found wandering on a New York beach in 2024 and was quickly adopted. But a year later, her separation anxiety issues led her owners to bring her back to the shelter. For a dog, being returned is often a silent death sentence.
Despite the affection from volunteers at the Animal Care Centers of NYC, Santi's health declined, and she was officially placed on the euthanasia list. With just 48 hours to go, all hope seemed lost. It was then that a tearful plea from a volunteer reached Justin Theroux's screen.
The Justin Theroux effect
The actor from The Leftovers and American Psycho is a passionate advocate for Pit Bulls and the 'dad' to famous rescue dog Kuma. He didn't hesitate for a second. By sharing Santi's story with his millions of followers, he triggered an outpouring of support. A few hours later, a family came forward to foster her. Santi was saved.
Rescued from the shelter by the NYC Pawsome Squad organisation, Santi was finally able to receive the care she needed. Vets unfortunately suspect she has degenerative myelopathy, a serious neurological disease often compared to motor neurone disease (MND) in humans.
A 'final chapter' full of love
Although her legs are wobbly, Santi's spirit is as lively as ever. She's savouring every moment with her foster family, far from the stress and barking of the shelter. "The idea that her story would end in a shelter just didn't seem right, so people stepped in to rewrite it," says Chelsea Domaleski from the Animal Farm Foundation.
Santi is now in 'fospice' care (a foster home for end-of-life care), where she is guaranteed to live out her final days surrounded by peace, stability, and love. She's no longer looking for an active life, but simply a 'soft landing' and a secure garden to enjoy the sun at her own pace. Thanks to a star who lent his voice to one who had none, Santi will not die alone in a cold kennel.
