When a 3-year-old longhaired dachshund mix named Bruno came to Fur-Ever Fosters dog rescue four months ago, he came with more than just a warm smile and eagerness to please — he came with a debilitating spinal cord injury.

Clare DeHaan, who runs the Niles-based non-profit, said the condition — called intervertebral disc

disease — makes it painful for Bruno to stand on his back legs and could lead to further, more serious, health problems.

“We got a call from someone saying they couldn’t keep him anymore, but they didn’t want to put him down,” said DeHaan. “We took him in.”

DeHaan hopes the right person or family will fall in love with Bruno and take him home during an adoption event Saturday, Sept. 20, at Tractor Supply, 2125 S. 11th St., Niles.

The event is part of Tractor Supply’s annual Pet Appreciation Week, which celebrates pets and introduces families to the joy of owning animals Sept. 17-21.

More animals other than Bruno will be available for adoption from Fur-Ever Fosters from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DeHaan said Bruno needs a special person to take care of him — preferably someone who is retired or a stay-at-home mom or dad.

“He needs someone that will be dedicated to him,” she said.

Bruno currently uses a wheel-chair device attached to his back legs that helps him get around without pain.

Bruno also receives water therapy from Fur-Ever Fosters in an attempt to strengthen his back legs. DeHaan said Bruno has regained about 60 percent use of his back legs since joining the rescue, up from 20 percent.

“He will never be 100 percent because there is permanent damage there,” DeHaan said. “The vet thinks he could regain about 80 percent.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Bruno or Fur-Ever Fosters’ other adoptable pets can call (269) 425-2757, visit the website fureverfosters.org or like them on Facebook.

 

Event details

Tractor Supply is partnering with Petfinder.com to host pet adoptions during the event.

The main adoption event is Saturday, Sept. 20, when the Niles store will feature pet adoptions, demonstrations on pet nutrition, discounts on pet food and supplies, free giveaways and $650 worth of in-store prize drawings.

All Pet Appreciation Week events are open to the public and pets.

On Sept. 20, attendees will receive a free Tractor Supply pet food scoop while supplies last and can enter a drawing to win a $200 gift card, a $100 rebate on pet services or a “Doggie Bag” prize pack valued at $35.

Additional community organizations attending include:

 

Kayla Yonker Bunnies

• On site from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 17-18

• Pet adoption

 

Fur-Ever Fosters

• On site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20

• Pet Adoption

 

Crafts by Jennifer DeHart

• On site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20

 

In addition to finding good homes for dogs and cats, the adoption events will also raise awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets and provide information on proper pet care and nutrition.

Contact the Niles Tractor Supply store at (269) 684-5734 for details concerning the pet adoption event and other planned activities.

For more information on Pet Appreciation Week, visit Facebook.com/TractorSupplyCo or TractorSupply.com.