Without them, he wouldn’t have survived.
When Ruger was adopted from the Colorado Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program, his new family was ecstatic. They looked forward to welcoming the pup into their home, anticipating years of mountain adventures in Colorado Springs.
But just three days after coming home, their dream turned into a nightmare.
While his wife was out of town, Chad Woodruff brought Ruger along to the local barbershop he owns. Despite packing everything a shop dog could need, the routine trip went terribly wrong when a customer arrived early. The moment the front door swung open, Ruger bolted past them into the bustling streets and vanished.
A Community Mobilizes in Colorado Springs
Heartbroken and desperate, Ruger’s family launched an immediate search. They flooded local Nextdoor and Facebook groups with alerts, enlisting the help of the entire Colorado Springs community. Neighbors kept their eyes peeled, hoping for a quick, safe return.
Unfortunately, Ruger had other plans. The elusive pup managed to evade search parties for nearly a year—but as it turned out, he wasn’t navigating the wilderness entirely alone.
Surviving the Winter: Joining a Wild Coyote Pack
During his 11 months on the run, Ruger was repeatedly spotted near the Patty Jewett Golf Course. Every time humans tried to approach him, he skillfully outmaneuvered them. He had committed fully to life in the wild and had even been accepted by an unlikely new family: a local pack of wild coyotes.
“I wasn’t horrified at all — I was happy to know the pack accepted him enough that he was kept safe,” Carrie Woodruff, Ruger’s mom, recalled. “The golf course maintenance guys actually think Ruger survived the harsh Colorado winter by sleeping in an old coyote den.”
Ruger’s coyote companions helped him navigate the brutal winter elements and locate food sources. Without the safety and community of the pack, it’s highly possible the domesticated pup wouldn’t have survived.
The Rescue by Humane Society Animal Law Enforcement
On a Tuesday afternoon in mid-May, Ruger finally let his guard down. Seizing the moment, animal law enforcement officers with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) were able to safely secure him.
“His fur was a bit dirty, but considering how long he was loose for, I’m surprised at how clean he was,” said Officer Roe of the Humane Society. “I could see no injuries to Ruger either.”
An Emotional Reunion
When Ruger first arrived at the shelter, he was understandably overwhelmed. Transitioning from the quiet freedom of a golf course to a noisy kennel caused him to retreat to the back of his enclosure, trembling.
The moment his mom walked through the door, his demeanor completely transformed:
- Instant Relief: Ruger immediately relaxed, leaning affectionately against his owner.
- Social Breakthrough: He quickly began allowing shelter staff and officers in the room to pet him.
Retired from the Wilderness
Now back inside where he belongs, Ruger is quickly making up for lost time. His parents are astounded by how seamlessly he has adjusted back to domestic life after living like a wild coyote for a year.
The Woodruff family credits the incredible local support system for bringing their dog home safely. The combined, relentless efforts of the Patty Jewett Golf Course staff, neighborhood social media groups, and the dedicated team at the Pikes Peak Humane Society proved that community is everything.
Moving forward, Ruger’s wild days are officially behind him. As his mom perfectly summarized: “He’s officially retired from his wilderness adventure and soaking up the indoor life under approximately 47 layers of supervision.”