Tracey Fowler from Mendon, Vermont, has always followed her passion: helping dogs who don’t have the best living conditions.
She had a German Shepherd named Hayden, and after losing him, she decided to devote her life to rescuing dogs in need.
Today, she has a group of eight strong dogs, known as “The Fowler Herd”.
This special group includes dogs with special needs and some that couldn’t find homes elsewhere.
But they’ve all found a place where they feel loved and at home.
Tracey shared with Bored Panda that Hayden passed away after battling a disease called degenerative myelopathy, which caused him to lose control of his legs.
Despite his illness, Hayden remained brave and playful until the very end.
After his loss, Tracey wanted to make a difference for other dogs like him, inspired by his strength and determination.
So far, she’s adopted six dogs with special needs, in addition to two German Shepherds she had before.
The Fowler Herd shares a deep bond, playing and supporting each other.
Most importantly, they all receive the love and care they need from Tracey.
On snowy winter days, Tracey puts skis on their strollers so her dogs can enjoy the outdoors, even when the ground is covered in snow.
As Tracey says, adopting a dog with mobility issues might not be for everyone, but it’s no different than caring for a healthy dog once you learn to manage their needs.
She believes it’s better to give these dogs a chance rather than saying goodbye too soon.
With love and understanding, these dogs can thrive.