Sponsor a Pup!

Strider was born in North Shore Animal League America’s Nursery after his pregnant mom Gypsy was rescued in Texas. Strider nursed, ate, wrestled, and played with his brothers and sisters. But as Strider grew, he started dragging his hind end around. Tests revealed that he has a bone growth disorder called hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Unfortunately for Strider, all four of his limbs were seriously affected, and the condition caused a lot of pain.

Strider was started on both anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Consultations with veterinary orthopedic specialists suggested multiple surgeries were needed to correct the growth plates and enable him to move with less pain.

The pup was placed with a nurturing foster family and underwent his first surgery to correct the deformity of his tibia. Unfortunately, after a few weeks, he began dragging his hind end on the ground again. The surgeons discovered that a boney callus had formed at the surgery site. He underwent another surgery. Then, his foster mom then began reporting great breakthroughs: “Despite his severe physical limitations, his ability to enrich other people’s lives by his loving presence is powerful. He has a spirit that will not give up, and his love of being close to people is unconquerable! Strider has been a source of inspiration to so many people.”

• Without the support of sponsors, Strider’s surgeries would not have been possible. For just $15 a month you can make all the difference to a vulnerable pet. See the dogs available for sponsoring at takeaction.animalleague.org.