Among the many stories of dogs left behind, only a handful ever receive a new opportunity for joy.
Some are given up due to neglect, busy schedules, or unexpected shifts in their owners’ circumstances.
At other times, a dog is surrendered not from unkindness but from uncertainty about how to meet their needs. That was the case for Qwerty.
Even though his family cared deeply for him, Qwerty was born with short spine syndrome, and they believed their only option was to leave him outside a shelter accompanied by a heartfelt note.
Roadogs Rescue Steps Forward For Qwerty
When shelter staff discovered him waiting outside, they were taken aback by the sight. A small dog sat quietly with a handwritten note beside him, scrawled in a child’s handwriting: “I love my dog. Please don’t hit him. It’s a boy.”
The workers quickly contacted Nikki of Roadogs Rescue in California, an organization known for helping dogs with rare conditions find permanent homes. As soon as she heard his story, she agreed to take him in.
Normally, foster families step in to help new rescues, but Nikki decided to keep Qwerty herself. She wanted to learn about his needs directly and give him the care he deserved.
Right away, Qwerty showed a cheerful spirit. Though his body looked unusual, he displayed no weakness or illness. His difference was only physical, never emotional.
Inside Nikki’s home, Qwerty fit in quickly, bonding with the other dogs and showing his loving, playful side.
He enjoyed walks, racing across the sand, and chasing toys with his companions. Even if he couldn’t leap onto furniture or run for hours, he was happy with his life. Nikki believed he would bring joy to any family.
That family soon appeared.
A Florida Couple Welcomes Him Home
Within weeks, Julie and Scott in Florida saw Qwerty online and instantly adored him. Years before, they had cared for Cuda, a dog with short spine syndrome, and the similarity was striking.
“There’s no denying Qwerty Cosmo and Cuda’s similarities,” the couple shared on Instagram.
Cuda had passed long ago, and Julie and Scott felt thankful for the chance to welcome another pup with the same rare trait.
When Qwerty joined them, he adjusted right away. Surrounded by his new parents and dog siblings, he quickly felt at home, as if he had always belonged.
“He will never be let go of again… He is ours now and forever. And to his former people: He is safe. Thank you for leaving him where you did instead of some remote area. Still, I wish you could have gotten help. Your dog was very, very lucky to be rescued. Not many are,” his new owners wrote.
Now, Qwerty embraces every moment of his new life. He romps with his siblings, delights both cats and dogs, greets strangers warmly, and captures the hearts of everyone around him.
His family posts his adventures often on their Instagram account, sharing the happiness of a pup once abandoned but now thriving. Once left behind with only a note and an uncertain fate, Qwerty has grown into the most joyful short-spined dog in the world.