Hi, I’m Spider — and I know my name might sound a little spooky, but I promise, I’m just a big ol’ softie with a heart the size of Florida. I wasn’t always a stray. I was someone’s pet. I had a home once. I wagged my tail, curled up on the floor, maybe even played fetch in a backyard. But none of that mattered the day they took me for a car ride I’ll never forget.

We drove deep into the rural backroads of Miami. I thought we were going somewhere new, somewhere exciting. But then the car slowed. The door opened. And they told me to get out. I stepped onto the dirt, tail still wagging… until the door shut. And the car drove away. No hesitation. No goodbye. I stood there, stunned. I waited, watching the dust settle, listening for the sound of a return that never came. Maybe they were coming back. Maybe this was just a mistake. I waited for hours… then days… and still, no one came for me. So I started walking.

I lived on those dirt roads for weeks, maybe longer. I dodged cars. I searched for food. I slept wherever I could find shelter. Every day was about surviving. Every night was about hoping. I didn’t know what I had done wrong — I only knew I missed being someone’s dog.

Then one day, a woman pulled over. She looked at me, really looked. And instead of driving off, she opened her car door. I hesitated. But then I took a chance, and I climbed in. That single moment changed everything.

She brought me straight to the rescue’s vet, and miraculously, I was in decent health considering how long I’d been out there. I was lucky. And now… I’m safe. I’m finally learning what it feels like to be cared for again. To be seen. To be wanted.

But my journey isn’t over. I’m still waiting for the thing I want most — a forever home. One that won’t throw me away when life gets inconvenient. One that understands I’m not perfect, but I’m worth the effort.

I’m a young adult, strong, stocky, and full of energy. A big, hefty dude who sometimes forgets just how big I really am. I do great with other large dogs and would likely thrive in a home with a playful canine sibling. I haven’t met any cats yet, so I’m not sure how I feel about them. And because I’ve got that “wild child” side, I’d do best in a home with older kids who understand I’m still learning and adjusting.

I’ve never had real structure before, so yes — I’ll need a little help with house training and learning the ropes of living indoors. But I’ve already come so far. I’m smart, I’m loyal, and I want to make my people proud.

All I ask for is a family who won’t give up on me. One who sees past the rough edges and recognizes the good, goofy soul underneath.

If you’ve got room in your home — and your heart — for a dog who’s been to the darkest places and still chooses love, then maybe I’ve been waiting for you, too.

Please apply to adopt Spider today. I was left in the dirt once, but I still believe in second chances.🐾