In March of 2012, Tennessee Death Row Dogs, Inc in Spring Hill, TN pulled Spud from a shelter on the day that was scheduled to be his last. A few days later, Spud became very ill and his health deteriorated quickly. He couldn't eat, he vomited constantly to the point where he couldn't lay down to even rest and he was hospitalized. The rescue acted quickly and after testing, found that he had the Adenovirus, Canine ParaInfluenza Type II and Mycoplasma. Spud didn't have one virus; he had three and any one of those could have taken his life. This puppy who got so excited to greet people, no longer had the strength to even lift his head to see who was visiting him. No one had ever seen a dog fight so hard to live. Everyone was in awe of this little dog; the fact that he was still alive was a miracle. After intravenous fluids and weeks of hospitalization, he became well enough to leave the vet and I took him home to foster. I already knew that Spud was a very special dog, but it wasn't long after taking him home that I realized I couldn't part with him. His life has been spared twice now and he wasn't even a year old yet. Spud seems to know he is lucky and he wakes up every day with such an appreciation for life. Spud is now the official rescue mascot because he loves to meet people and give everyone kisses. He wears a vest that was custom made for him. In it he collects donations to help save other dogs like him from “death row”. Spud has a beautiful soul and is a poster dog for perseverance. I'm grateful and honored to call him my dog.

Jamie Hawkins
Spring HIll, TN