Countless animals end up injured, alone, and far from where they belong.
Whether lost, abandoned, or just struggling to survive, they rely on the kindness of people when the world turns cold. Without help, many would never get a second chance.
That’s exactly what happened in Michigan when employees at a local funeral home noticed something unusual near the parking lot.
A Curious Guest At The Funeral Home
At first, it looked like a bundle of fur blowing in the wind, but the workers decided to investigate.
When they looked closer, they were shocked to learn that it was a beaver.
The employees quickly sought help, posting about their unusual visitor online. When Aspenleiter saw the message, she immediately offered to assist.
“It was an unusual call, being in the middle of the city of Westland, MI. I needed to confirm it was indeed a beaver. Once confirmed, I immediately put a plan in place to contain Spruce and asked transport volunteer Lauren Golembiewski to go on-site to keep a visual while I grabbed supplies and headed that way,” Kari Aspenleiter, founder of Serenity’s Place Wildlife Rehab, told The Dodo.
A Rescue And A New Beginning
When Aspenleiter arrived, she carefully approached the young beaver, who was too tired to put up a fuss.
To her surprise, Spruce stayed calm and allowed herself to be lifted up for a quick check right there in the parking lot.
She was thankful to the kind humans for their help.
Spruce was only a few months old, likely born in the spring of 2025.
Beavers typically remain with their mothers for about two years, learning the skills they need to survive, but this little one had somehow lost her way.
Apart from being underweight and dehydrated, Spruce had a few small injuries, including an infected eye and a scraped tail.
Aspenleiter knew she needed more help, so she reached out to Wildside Rehabilitation Center, one of the few places in Michigan equipped to care for beavers long-term.
Spruce was transported there and began her recovery.
She won the hearts of the staff, who did everything they could to help her feel comfortable. She even had a stuffed toy so that she wouldn’t feel lonely.
A Second Chance
No one knows how Spruce ended up so far from any pond or stream, but her story shows how a small act of kindness can change everything.
Thanks to a few caring people who didn’t look the other way, a frightened little beaver now has a safe place to grow, play, and discover the kind of world she deserves.