California Dog From A Hoarding Situation Does Something Unexpected Whenever His Mom Struggles
Arbor was born blind and with a profound neurological condition, but his joyful spirit and unique ‘twinkle taps’ completely changed his California rescuer’s life.
A Difficult Beginning
Arbor’s start in life was incredibly difficult. Born into a breeding hoarding situation, the sweet dog faced challenges most pups could never imagine.
Not only was Arbor completely blind, but he also suffered from a profound neurological condition that affected his every movement.
Yet, despite his physical limitations, his spirit remained unbroken. He was just waiting for the right person to notice his beautiful soul.
A Fateful Connection
Catherine Devoe was following “I Stand With My Pack,” a rescue organization based in Southern California. When she saw Arbor’s face, something clicked instantly.
“I knew that he was my dog,” Catherine recalled. “I don’t know how to explain it other than that he was my dog.”
The connection was undeniable, and she knew she had to do whatever it took to give him a second chance at a happy life.
A Cross-Country Journey
Determined to bring him home, Catherine flew to Los Angeles to meet the special pup in person. The initial meeting went beautifully, confirming everything she had felt from afar.
From there, they embarked on a massive road trip together.
They drove Arbor from Southern California all the way to the Willamette Valley in Oregon over two days, safely delivering him to his forever home.
Understanding A Profound Diagnosis
Arbor’s medical needs were significant and required specialized care. He was officially diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus.
His case was incredibly profound. According to Catherine, he has almost no cortical matter in his brain.
Because most of his skull is filled with water, his daily life looks a little different than that of a typical dog, and they immediately began treating him with the correct medications.
The Magic Of ‘Twinkle Taps’
Because of his neurological deficits, Arbor can only make right-hand turns. But rather than letting it hold him back, his family celebrates his unique way of moving.
They affectionately call his big, right-hand circles “twinkle taps.”
It has become a joyful dance he performs around the house and backyard, proving that he is living his life to the absolute fullest.
Navigating Daily Challenges
Caring for Arbor requires constant attention to detail. One of his most unusual hurdles is that he has completely lost his natural instinct to drink water.
To keep him healthy and hydrated, Catherine has to step in and carefully measure out his daily liquid intake.
She ensures he gets exactly what he needs by mixing the measured water directly into his food.
Safe Adventures In A Stroller
Because Arbor is blind, he doesn’t feel comfortable just taking off and going for a traditional walk. The unknown can be a bit too overwhelming.
His family found the perfect solution to keep his world expanding: a beautiful stroller that he absolutely loves to ride in.
This allows him to safely experience the outdoors, taking in new sounds and smelling fresh scents without any fear.
A Deep Emotional Bond
Despite his cognitive challenges, Arbor is incredibly attuned to his mom’s emotions. When Catherine has a bad day, Arbor is very aware of her feelings.
He will walk over, press his head right into her chest, and simply stay there to offer comfort.
“He breathes and I breathe, and we share a moment of gratitude, and it resets my day,” she shared.
Inspiring A Lifelong Mission
Arbor’s profound condition didn’t just change his own life; it changed Catherine’s heart and future.
She was already on the path to becoming a veterinarian, but caring for Arbor gave her a renewed sense of purpose.
Witnessing his daily bravery and managing his unique medical needs helped completely solidify her career path.
Embracing Every Single Day
Today, Arbor is living his absolute best life surrounded by love. He adores his human brother and his four rescue siblings, greeting his mom with a big smile and wagging tail whenever she comes home.
Catherine focuses on making sure Arbor knows every day will be his best day, choosing to view his journey through a lens of gratitude rather than grief.
“I’m grateful that I get to share my life and my world with this beautiful soul,” she said. “He is kind, strong, and brave all day, every day.”
