Tracey Fowler, from Mendon, Vermont, has dedicated her life to helping dogs in need—especially those with special needs who struggle to find forever homes.
Her journey of compassion began with her beloved German Shepherd, Hayden. After losing him to a degenerative disease, Tracey was inspired to make a difference in the lives of other dogs facing similar challenges. Today, she cares for a pack of eight dogs, lovingly known as The Fowler Herd, a mix of special needs dogs and those who were overlooked for adoption.
In an interview with Bored Panda, Tracey shared that Hayden crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a difficult battle with degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease that affects a dog’s spinal cord. Despite his struggles, Hayden remained resilient and playful until his final moments, leaving a lasting impact on Tracey’s heart.
Determined to honor his legacy, Tracey made it her mission to adopt and care for dogs with special needs. To date, she has welcomed six such dogs into her home, in addition to the two German Shepherds she had before expanding her loving family.
Thanks to Tracey’s dedication and compassion, these once-overlooked pups are now thriving, living their best lives in a safe and loving environment. Her story serves as an inspiration, proving that every dog—regardless of their challenges—deserves a chance at happiness.
