12 Days of Happy Tails: Meet Spruce

On the 5th day of our 12 Days of Happy Tails features a story that you may already know, but it is one of the most heartwarming adoption journeys of our Muddy Paws Pack with our not-so-average pupper, Spruce!

After a long ride from our partner shelter in Kentucky, Spruce’s mama gave birth to him and his siblings just 36 hours after arriving in his foster home. They spent eight weeks together in foster care where it was evident that Spruce was having some developmental issues. He was the last of his litter to start walking and he was having some trouble going to the bathroom. He had a lot of puppy energy, but his body wasn’t responding the way puppies usually do.

We were determined to find out how we could help this puppy live his best life so we made arrangements to have him seen by vets to find out what was causing his problems. His vet appointments eventually led to consultants with specialists, where it was determined that Spruce had fluid pressing down on his spinal cord. He began a steroid treatment and it was assumed that surgery would be on the table in the future.

Spruce found himself growing up in 6 different foster homes (huge shoutout to Ashia and Mike, Anelise, Sidra, Suzanna, Pratik and Kajal, and Krystelle!) — each foster loving him as much as the last, taking him to his many medical appointments and training him in vital good boy moves so he can impress his future family. He got to know other dogs, cats, kids and was friendly and playful with all.

Through months of hard work, Spruce built up his strength and his condition stabilized and he was cleared for adoption! However, because Spruce would always have some incontinence, he needed a very special family for his forever home.

Natalia and Tom had lost their furbaby Grey in January 2018, and while they were still grieving, they also knew that another dog would bring happy energy to their family. As a birthday surprise for Tom, Natalia made arrangements to adopt Spruce and the rest is history!

Spruce has been with his forever family for about a month, and he has already filled Natalia and Tom’s world with so much love. Spruce is the life of the party, turning chill dog parks to doggy sporting venues, always getting every other pup to chase him. This is where he is happiest, with his back legs hopping like a bunny as he darts around the park, dogs of all sizes in tow.

spruce 2.jpeg — “Once Spruce is tuckered out, he’s a supreme napper. He cuddles up close and passes out quick. He breathes heavy, snores, and kicks his feet in his dreams.”

Spruce was able to learn and grow from all the foster families who were dedicated and generous enough to ensure that this spry guy had a chance at a normal life. His adoptive family says, “We are so appreciative of the people that helped Spruce along the way. Ultimately it led to this wonderful pup becoming a member of our family and we are truly grateful.”