Without them, he wouldn’t have survived.
When Ruger was adopted from the Colorado Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program, his new family was ready to give him the best life possible. Nobody could have predicted that just three days later, he would vanish — and spend the next year surviving Colorado winters alongside a pack of wild coyotes.
A New Beginning That Quickly Went Wrong
Ruger’s adoption felt like the start of something wonderful. His family was excited, hopeful, and eager for the adventures ahead. But three days after coming home, everything changed.
While his wife was out of town, Chad Woodruff brought Ruger along to his barbershop. He packed everything a shop dog could need — but when a customer arrived early and the door swung open, Ruger bolted outside and disappeared.
A Community Rallies Together
The Woodruff family immediately sprang into action. They posted in Facebook groups, reached out on Nextdoor, and leaned on the entire Colorado Springs community to help track Ruger down. Everyone was watching — but the pup was nowhere to be found.
Life on the Run — With an Unexpected Pack
Ruger was missing for nearly a year. During that time, he was repeatedly spotted near Patty Jewett Golf Course, but every attempt to catch him failed. He had grown wary and quick — and he hadn’t been alone.
Ruger had joined a group of wild coyotes, who appeared to accept him as one of their own.
“I wasn’t horrified at all — I was happy to know the pack accepted him enough that he was kept safe,” said Carrie Woodruff, Ruger’s mom. “The golf course maintenance guys actually think Ruger survived the harsh Colorado winter by sleeping in an old coyote den. I embrace diversity, so it only makes sense that my dog should, too!”
The Rescue That Finally Worked
After nearly 11 months on the run, Ruger let his guard down on a Tuesday afternoon in mid-May. Animal law enforcement officers with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region were finally able to secure him safely.
“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 of the Pikes Peak Region. “I could see no injuries to Ruger either.”
From Cowering in a Kennel to Soaking Up Love
At the shelter, Ruger was understandably overwhelmed. The noise and activity made him nervous, and he retreated to the back of his kennel. Then his mom walked in — and everything changed.
“Once we had reunited him with his owner, you wouldn’t believe he was the same dog,” Officer Roe said. “He was allowing everyone in the room to give him pets and was leaning, in an affectionate way, against his owner.”
Home at Last — Under 47 Layers of Supervision
Ruger is back where he belongs, adjusting to indoor life faster than anyone expected. His family is grateful beyond words — and quick to credit the community that never gave up.
“We were heartbroken the entire 11 months he was gone, but this is where we really have to credit our amazing community,” Woodruff said. “The golf course staff, our neighbors, the Nextdoor and Facebook groups, and the incredible team at the Pikes Peak Humane Society never stopped looking for him. We couldn’t have brought him home without that massive community effort.”
As for future adventures? Ruger’s wilderness days are officially over.
“He’s officially retired from his wilderness adventure and soaking up the indoor life under approximately 47 layers of supervision,” Woodruff said.