Hundreds of dogs have called Living Free Animal Sanctuary their home while waiting for their forever family. However, every once in a while, there will come along a dog that just stands out among all the rest. Spotty was one of those dogs. 

When Spotty first arrived at Living Free everyone knew he would make a fantastic family dog. Spotty was charming, friendly, and playful. He was adopted out at the very start of 2018, but came back to us within 6 months of adoption due to his extreme anxiety with thunderstorms. 

Living Free constructed a special kennel for Spotty to help him deal with his thunder anxiety. And, whenever a storm rolled in, our kennel supervisor, Edgar Santiago, would take Spotty into his personal home and keep him company until the storm passed.

Spotty became a familiar sight around our property because he was a favorite for volunteers to take on walks. He had a distinct bark when greeting people from his kennel and was always happy to see you. Spotty was the type of dog that, after greeting you, would immediately flop on the ground to ask for belly rubs. Unfortunately, he struggled to find a new family for several years due to his issues with thunder. 

It wasn’t until 2020 that Spotty finally hit the jackpot. Monica Rise was looking for a family dog for her three sons. She had seen a video of Spotty playing fetch at the dog park and had a feeling that he would be a perfect companion for her active boys. Monica took Spotty home and ever since then Spotty’s life has been one of love and happiness.

Monica shares, “Spotty is such an amazing dog, he is really great. He loves going on car rides with me to Starbucks to get his Pup‘a’Chino.”

When he’s not taking trips to Starbucks, Spotty enjoys walks with the family. He even seems to enjoy his walks a little too much. Monica explains, “He loves his walks so much that he doesn’t want to come home and gets a little stubborn, actually lays down, because he wants to keep on walking.”

Spotty is also getting lots of exercise with the help of Monica’s kids. Monica shares, “My 14-year-old, Benny, is in high school and he has to run every day for school, so he takes Spotty with him. Sometimes all the boys; Benny, Tobias, and Eric, along with me, take Spotty on night runs.”

Monica has been careful to monitor Spotty’s anxiety, but has yet to have any issues. She also adds, “Spotty is never left alone as my oldest son, Eric, is home all the time so he has plenty of attention and company.”

Ultimately, Spotty has really made himself an integral part of Monica’s family. Monica shares, “Spotty is such a snuggle bunny. He will snuggle up to us all. Spotty tries to get as close to us as he can and will lay across our legs and bury his head on our chest. He is the sweetest ever, super fun and loving. One morning I woke up and found him snuggled up next to me lengthwise with his head on my shoulder and a paw on my back.” 

Monica notes, “Spotty is such a blessing to us all. It is as if he has been here all the time.”

Monica, we couldn’t be happier for Spotty. He has found a wonderful, loving family and home. We know you will have many meaningful days ahead with Spotty. Spotty was a great favorite at Living Free and we thank you for loving him.