‘They don’t skip a beat’: Family of stray pups reunite for the first birthday at the SPCA

It was a party fit for hounds.

There were cupcakes decorated with dog biscuits and treats galore. Games of fetch, chase and keep away. And lots of catching up to be done.

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA hosted a first birthday celebration and reunion Saturday afternoon for their furry family alumni known then as the Tree Litter of 10.

One by one, eight out of the 10 puppies arrived at the Dartnall Road dog park. Their greetings were loud and boisterous barks of joy. As each one rejoined the pack they'd all race off, sprinting from one end of the field to other.

They realize that they're siblings," said Diane Morris, co-ordinator of annual programs at the organization. They don't skip a beat, they pick up right where they left off."

The journey of the four-legged family started last December, said Morris.

A local animal control unit had contacted the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, alerting them to a litter of 10 stray puppies and their mother in need.

When they arrived at the shelter, it was all hands on deck," said adoption co-ordinator Heather Ashcroft.

The puppies were in really rough shape and they were really thin," said Ashcroft. You could tell the mom had been scrounging for food, she was struggling to be able to feed them."

Ashcroft said the young family - initially named after trees - was quickly bathed, fed and treated for fleas, ticks and parasites.

Mama dog, known as Magnolia, was also diagnosed with heartworm - often called a silent killer" as it is usually only detected through regular testing, according to Ashcroft.

Her treatment for the disease, which is costly, is what brought the adoptive families of the canine brood together, said Morris.

The organization had put a call-out for support for the treatment on Facebook. One by one, each adoptive family put their hand up to help - including Morris, who adopted Roxie, one of three girls in the litter.

And not only did they help fund Magnolia's treatment, the families also connected through social media. Unfortunately, Magnolia couldn't make it to Saturday's reunion, added Morris.

We all chat weekly," said Morris. There's always photos being shared or one person asking about personality traits."

At first glance, one may realize the dogs are related. Some are a tannish-brown colour with white patches while others are brindle, with longer fur and are larger in size.

Penny, Finnegan and Aspen are known as the triplets, while Zeke, Frank and Bruce all look similar. The remaining fur siblings are Sprocket, Mylo, River and Roxie.

Morris said DNA testing showed they're a mix of breeds, including Akita, Siberian husky, Jack Russell terrier, shepherd and lab. It's also believed the litter has multiple fathers, she added.

Jewel Kowalchuk, whose family adopted Aspen, said the journey of bringing him home to now seeing him celebrate his first birthday alongside his siblings has been fantastic."

We've been quite lucky," said Kowalchuk.

And not only as Kowalchuk's family gained a new furry, four-legged member, they're also now a part of a community.

Since they were all adopted out, the brood has gotten together for fundraisers, their six-month birthday and play dates at the dog park.

It's been nice to have a kinship with people who share something similar with you and aren't your family, but are now," said Kowalchuk.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com