Meet Simon

Simon was only 8 months old when he arrived to North Shore Animal League America as part of a puppy mill rescue in late March 2022.

As we too often see from commercial breeding facilities, Simon has the congenital conditions of a curved spine and fused ribs that deform his chest cavity. Because of this, it is difficult for him to breathe properly when his lungs expand. So exercise, excitement, heat exposure, and stress all need to be very limited. It seems that Simon doesn’t know he’s different from any other little dog, but he’s not unique in the mountain of love he has to offer. The Pet Sponsorship Program insures the medical care he needs. And that he’ll be able to express his love and be loved in return.

A donation to our Pet Sponsorhip Program will provide Simon, and all our Sponsor animals, with a lifetime of compassionate care.

2024 Updates

November 2024

Simon had a challenging June, with three medical visits in one week and the possibility of stomach surgery. Thanks to the support of his Sponsor family, dedicated doctors at our Pet Health Centers, and his mom’s around-the-clock care, Simon recovered. Now back to his playful self, Simon loves hugs, cuddles, and his beloved Dino toy. He just turned three, and his family is so grateful for his recovery.

June 2024

Simon remains a charming and beloved member of his family. Mom Peggy shared that Simon is being a good boy and keeping his weight down, which helps with his back issues. His adorable face means she couldn’t get too mad when he tried to snack on a check recently!

February 2024

Simon is keeping up his reputation as a charmer and craves attention from anyone within range, whether they have two legs or four! Mom Carolyn told us that thankfully his health remains stable, as long as he keeps to his twice-a-day medication. It is a treatment plan that also keeps him well enough so he can log time in playing fetch with his favorite toy bone!

2023 Updates

November 2023

Simon is as playful as ever, especially when it comes to fetch with a particular pink squeaky toy, reports mom, Carolyn. “Simon came to us with a dinosaur, and he still sleeps with it every night,” she said. “In fact, Simon has not chewed on this guy at all even though he has destroyed other items…including the mail!” She was also happy to report that Simon is being a wonderful sibling to his new canine sister!

May 2023

Simon’s mom Carolyn has been keeping a watchful eye on her new family member’s physical condition and providing lots of TLC. “He still seems tender in back area at times,” she said, “but he loves playing catch with his favorite squeaky toy.” Simon is learning to self-regulate if he gets too winded, and his family enjoys seeing Simon’s innately sweet and gentle nature emerge.

March 2023

Simon is getting all the attention he deserves from his wonderful family. He has required multiple visits to the Pet Health Centers to stay on top of his health, but he’s also discovered how much he is cared for. They love taking Simon with them wherever they go, and he has learned that car rides mean new adventures. Simon may give a growl when he has to get up early, but that’s certainly understandable!

2022 Updates

November 2022

Simon is making terrific progress getting acclimated in his new home. In fact, mom Carolyn reported that “his walking appears to have improved, and his back legs are facing forward more.” She also has observed that “everything is new to him since he was in a crate [at a puppy mill] for most of his life.” His doggie sister is doing her best to show him the ropes, though Simon still doesn’t understand “why the birds outside disappear when he goes over to say hi!”