Pup with Two Broken Legs Left for Dead on Side of Road With All of His Toys and Bag of Food
It’s a terrible thing to see an animal in pain, and an even worse thing to know that it all happened because of the negligence of a human. Thankfully, there are many people in this world who are willing to step in and intervene when an animal ends up abandoned or hurt.
One furry friend got a new lease on life when several kind humans stepped in to help him recover after he endured a painful and frightening experience.
Gallatin County Animal Shelter in Sparta, Kentucky, opened their doors to a puppy late last month after he had been found on the side of the road in a nearby county. According to the shelter, the little guy had been left by his owners along with a bag of dog food and some toys.
“Sadly before anyone came to help he was struck by a car,” the shelter said in a Facebook post.
The dog had two broken femurs and was unable to stand on his own. After surgery to repair his legs, the pup was transferred again into the care of HART Animal Rescue in Cincinnati.
The little guy is not out of the woods yet, but thankfully he is surrounded by people who care about his recovery. He has been named “Nike.”
HART quickly made sure to take more x-rays of Nike, and discovered that even though his spine was okay, the first surgery had not been successful and he would need to be operated on again.
Dr. Gary Smith told WXIX-TV, “We think he was hit by a car and he broke both the growth plates on both knees, painful — and he couldn’t walk.”
Smith has been caring for Nike at the County Animal Hospital in Mason, Ohio.
Nike’s story has been affecting people near and far.
“This story got to me, it totally broke my heart,” HART’s Shari Wyenandt told Fox 19.
Donations have also been coming in to help pay for Nike’s recovery.
“Doggie Paddles LLC” in Florence, Kentucky, has even offered water therapy to Nike for free.
Even though Nike is on the mend, it will still take time for him to heal. According to WXIX-TV, it will take 4 to 8 weeks for him to fully recover from his injuries.
“NIKE is 8-9 months old and 71 lbs of pure sweetness!!” HART posted. “Once he is cleared from surgery, he will go to his foster and need physical therapy. This will be costly but he is worth it ten times over! After all, just look at his face!”
HART Cincinnati told Liftable, a section of the Western Journal, that Nike is still in the hospital since his most recent surgery was on May 5.
“Thanks for reaching out to us about Nike! The day after his surgery, Nike was already walking and using his leg,” Katie with HART Cincinnati told Liftable. “After a couple more days of laser therapy and icing, he’ll be ready to go to his foster home!”
“The foster’s children have already set up a recovery room for him and are anxiously awaiting his arrival. He’s definitely a fighter and such a sweetheart! Even after everything he has endured, he wants nothing more than to give kisses and be loved on.”
“We have also received numerous emails from people who believe Nike is the sibling of the dog they currently have,” Katie continued. “These people have indicated their dog was also found on the side of the road, after being ditched. While we don’t know for certain if Nike is related to them, he certainly looks like them, and they’re all around the same age!”
If you would like to contribute to the rehabilitation of Nike and other animals who have experienced abuse and mistreatment, visit HART’s website.
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