All About Scooter

Little Mr. Scooter was born in foster care on December 13, 2020. When he was just a few days old, his foster parents noticed him not using his back legs as much as his siblings, but we couldn’t tell if anything was wrong as he was so young. They brought him in for a few appointments with SafeHaven's veterinarian, Dr. Candie, where at about 4 weeks old, they determined that he had some paralysis of the back legs.

Scooter's current (and incredibly devoted) foster mom, Darcie Vanderyacht, says it best:

"I would like to tell you about a precious and sweet little soul named Scooter. I came into SafeHaven and saw a pen in the common area with a tiny little puppy playing with his bed. I asked about him, only to find out he was born with his hind quarters not working as they should for a normal puppy. I asked if he needed a foster mommy and to my delight, he did. Scooter is the happiest little man, loves to talk to you, and is delighted and happy to see anyone who would love to give him their attention. He loves playing out in the yard, and loves playing with my other fur babies (dogs and cats).

X-rays were taken of Scooter, which didn’t show anything wrong with his bones. A veterinary surgeon concluded that he appears to have a lesion on his spine which is common in Doxies. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but he will be able to lead a perfectly normal life with the help of his forever family.

Scooter doesn’t know he isn’t like a

normal puppy. But truly what is normal? We all have challenges. Yes, he has a disability which requires extra care, but he is determined to be just like any other puppy.

I keep an eye on him and make sure he is on the right ground surfaces. He is a perfect candidate for a wheel cart when he is full grown. He is always moving his legs, he even tries to get them underneath him and gets a few steps in before he can’t support his weight.

Scooter also does his very best to let you know when he needs to go potty. Unfortunately, his control is limited, requiring a quick response and patience once he’s outside knowing accidents happen.

He gets around great and loves playing in my large yard. There is nothing slow about him. He knows his name, comes when he is called. His bright little spirit makes you smile and laugh bringing pure joy to your heart! Scooter is one of many great examples to prove what SafeHaven is all about, “the animals”.

Scooter is the perfect example of his love for life no matter what his challenges are. We could all learn from the love of life that Scooter has and the love he continually gives! I am proud to be a foster mom for SafeHaven and to be part of such a wonderful organization who truly cares about the animals!

Darcie plans on keeping Scooter with her until he finds the perfect forever home. If you are interested in learning more and meeting Scooter, please email our Foster Care Coordinator at

fostercare@safehavenhumane.com.