Crosby and Spruce Are Safe!

Crosby and Spruce came into the shelter as strays, but it was immediately clear that life has not been kind to them.

These two sweet boys show heartbreaking, tell-tale signs of having been used as bait dogs. They arrived at Harnett County Animal Services with multiple open wounds, extensive scarring, and bodies that told a story of violence and neglect. They were emaciated, torn up, and in truly shocking condition.

And yet, despite everything they’ve endured, their hearts are still trusting and full of love.

Because of the severity of their injuries, Crosby and Spruce were listed as rescue-only. Making their situation even more difficult, they are a bonded pair who clearly relied on each other to survive. The incredible staff and volunteers at Harnett County Animal Services went above and beyond, providing them with constant TLC and care. However, they knew how challenging it would be to find a rescue willing to take on two large, medically needy dogs at once, let alone a bonded pair in such rough shape.

Thankfully, the FUR village showed up.

At Florida Urgent Rescue, we’re no strangers to major medical cases, but the biggest challenge is always finding committed fosters. When Megan introduced us to Sarah Falwell, everything changed. Sarah generously offered to foster both boys, but since she was leaving town for a few days before New Year’s, we needed a short-term plan. We asked Misty if we could board them at Pet Paradise, and of course, the answer was yes!

Next came transport.  Once again, Walt and Shelli Shay stepped up in the biggest way. They made the 14-hour round-trip drive to North Carolina and offered to temporarily foster Crosby and Spruce so they wouldn’t have to go straight from the shelter to boarding.

They left at "oh-dark-thirty", made the long drive north, and brought these boys safely home. After an exhausting day, Crosby and Spruce are now decompressing with Walt and Shelli, finally safe.

Despite everything they’ve been through, both boys are dog-friendly, cat-friendly, and people-friendly. Spruce is suffering from a heavy heartworm load and is suspected to have hip dysplasia, but the shelter couldn’t even confirm it with x-rays because his open wounds made it too painful to manipulate his legs.

These boys have known pain and suffering, but now, they know love.

From the compassionate shelter staff to the dedicated FUR volunteers, their lives are already changing. We will do everything possible to ensure Crosby and Spruce receive the care they need and the happy, healthy future they deserve.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers at Harnett County Animal Services for refusing to give up on them.Thank you to Megan, Sarah, Misty, and Walt & Shelli for going above and beyond.

Welcome to FUR, sweet boys. Your lives will only get better from here. 

 FUR Year-End Appeal

— Donations are DOUBLED up to $50,000 through 12/31/25 thanks to a generous matching challenge from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund.

— New monthly donations are TRIPLED for the first three months in memory of Mary B. Leahy.

Your generosity saves lives — and right now, it can do even more.

 FUR Monthly Giving Program — TRIPLE Your Impact

Sick and injured animals like Crosby and Spruce need help fast. In an emergency, Monthly donors give us the flexibility to respond immediately — whether it’s a hoarding case, a hurricane, a cruelty investigation, or an animal suffering from severe injuries. Your ongoing support allows us to act first and fundraise later.

In loving memory of Mary B. Leahy, new monthly donations are TRIPLED for the first three months, creating an even greater lifesaving impact.

About FUR

Florida Urgent Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. FUR earned a Four-Star Rating on Charity Navigator with a score of 100%, the highest possible rating, and a 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency by Guidestar. Finally, Florida Urgent Rescue is once again listed by Great Nonprofits as a "Top Nonprofit" organization. Less than 1/10th of 1% of all nonprofits receive these ratings.