Spud (Richie)

Today, we get to share the kind of update that makes every hard rescue day worth it. Richie—now lovingly named Spud—has officially arrived at his forever home! After everything this sweet boy has endured in his life, seeing him safe, wrapped in love, and heading toward a future filled with joy feels almost unreal. This is the ending we all hoped for. We’re ready to break out the confetti, but first, we want to take a moment to honor the journey that brought Spud where he is today.  

When Spud first came into our rescue’s care, his injuries told a horrifying story. His face had been brutally smashed. His nose was crushed. His teeth were knocked out. His tail was cut. His ears bore scars from bites. He was malnourished, weak, and had clearly spent years surviving unimaginable cruelty on the streets. By the time a kind stranger found him wandering alone through an empty lot, Spud was barely holding on.

Our team’s hearts shattered when we saw this sweet boy, and we didn’t hesitate to accept his case. We rushed him straight to the hospital in Baja, knowing he couldn’t wait a moment longer for care. Spud needed IV fluids, X-rays, bloodwork, and constant monitoring to uncover the full extent of his trauma and keep him stable. We feared the very real possibility of hidden fractures and long-term damage, but we also saw something incredible. Despite everything, Spud’s resilient, trusting nature shone through. He truly was a one-of-a-kind dog.

Little by little, thanks to an outpouring of support from the CUDDLY community, Spud’s life began to change. Donations made his care possible. Medications were administered to treat his tick-borne illnesses. Nourishing meals helped him gain strength. Spud has made incredible progress on his journey to healing. And when he’s healthy enough, Spud will receive reconstructive surgery on his nose so he can finally breathe freely—though his soft little snores have already stolen our hearts.

And now, the moment we’ve been waiting for. The instant Spud climbed into the embrace of his foster parents, something shifted. He stayed curled there for hours, soaking in love like he’d been waiting his whole life for it—because he had. You could feel Spud’s gratitude. His relief. For the first time, he was safe, and he knew it.
 
Spud has had an incredible journey, and while we’re sad to see him go, we’re thrilled for this sweet boy’s future. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. To everyone who donated, shared, and believed in Spud when he needed it most, this happily ever after belongs to you, too. Spud is loved. He is safe. And he will never be hurt again. Welcome home, sweet Spud. You deserve every good thing coming your way.