Mary Beth Goosman was volunteering at her local shelter in 2010 when she met a special dog who changed her life. Watson had short spine syndrome, a rare, genetic condition likely caused by inbreeding that causes the spine to be compressed.
Watson was a border collie but half the size of others of his breed and scrunched up from tail to head. At the time Goodman adopted him from Washington Animal Rescue League in Washington, D.C., there were only four other dogs known to be living with short spine syndrome. Not knowing what to expect, Goosman took him home and set out to shower him with all of her love. That was six years ago. Watson never had any health issues but suddenly passed away in December of 2015. He was nearly 14.
Goosman was devastated. The sudden loss of such a unique and loving dog sent her reeling. The void he left was apparent every day. At the time of his death, a total of 12 short spine dogs had been identified and were all living in happy homes. Sadly, just a couple of weeks prior to his passing, another short spine dog named Criket also suddenly passed away from a gastric torsion.
Time did not heal her heart. I maintain a page for my short spine dog Cuda, a rescue pit bull, called Cuda Cares. Through it, I keep in touch with the parents of the other short spine dogs. Often, people share their special needs dogs with me.
Christina Davidson, Rescue & Adoptions Coordinator at Iredell County Animal Services in Statesville, North Carolina, is one of those people. I had written an article about the short spine dogs for The Dodo and she read it. A couple of weeks ago, she messaged me a photo of a dog at her shelter who she thought had short spine syndrome. His sloped back, long front legs, short rear legs and elongated face made me think she might be right. He weighed just 12 pounds, too! He made me think of Watson.
Watson
Spartacus was recently removed from a hoarding situation. This was not the first time Animal Control had been to this house. This time they found Spartacus struggling among more than 50 dogs, walking on rotting floors and so crowded, the owners had to use the windows to leave and enter the house. Once in the shelter, he quickly became popular, and his easygoing and loving temperament won everyone over. He spent his days hanging in Davidson's office, usually in her lap.
Christina with Spartacus
I had to tell Mary Beth about Spartacus. Still grieving over Watson, who had passed away only a few weeks earlier, she wasn't sure she could be ready adopt so soon. I understood but I pressed on. I knew he belonged with her. But Goosman worried that she could not bear losing another dog after giving her heart to him.
Davidson jumped in and arranged for Spartacus to get x-rays and bloodwork done to get more insight to his health. Bradford Animal Hospital even offered discounted services to help Spartacus. Spartacus needs dental procedure, but other than that, he looked good to Dr. Bradford for a two year old dog.
Goosman took a leap of faith. She couldn't resist his soulful eyes and silly, long tongue. She agreed that he belonged with her. Davidson agreed to drive Spartacus from the shelter to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she met up with my friend and animal advocate, Erica Pigage. Erica, along with her friend, Theresa Calior-Hall, drove Spartacus to north to meet Goosman.
Erica starts the second leg of Spartacus' journey to his new home
Six hours after he left the shelter, in the parking lot of a Wawa in Richmond, Virginia, Goosman became mom to a second dog with short spine syndrome. Thanks to some incredible individuals, Spartacus traveled nearly 300 miles to go home.
Spartacus and Mary Beth meet for the first time
What are the chances of adopting one of 16 dogs known to have it (14 still living) twice? I believe that Watson sent Spartacus Goosman's way for just one reason: to heal her broken heart, short spine syndrome style.
Spartacus at home with his new brothers, Nikko and Joey
Originally posted on TheDodo.com
If you're interested in donating towards Spartacus's vet care, please click here.
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