Douglas’ Story
Douglas came into our care after a kind Good Samaritan found him lying in the middle of a Santa Maria street, unable to walk. The discovery of a harness gave hope that his family might be searching for him, but despite every effort, no owner came forward. Thankfully, the Good Samaritan acted quickly and transported Douglas to PETS ER, where he was given immediate pain relief and stabilized.
During his examination, veterinarians discovered abrasions and painful road rash. However, the most serious concern was his inability to bear weight on his right hind leg, which showed significant swelling. Once Douglas was comfortable, radiographs were taken and revealed a severe fracture. The images were immediately shared with a surgeon, who determined that surgery offered the best chance for a full recovery.
In an extraordinary act of dedication, the surgeon agreed to perform the procedure on the evening of the Fourth of July. Following surgery, Douglas faced a long and challenging recovery that required at least eight weeks of strict cage rest and monitoring. After the bone fully healed, Douglas underwent a second procedure to safely remove the external fixator.
Today, Douglas has made a complete recovery and is living his best life with his forever family. His journey is a powerful reminder that quick action, expert medical care, and compassion can turn a moment of tragedy into a story of hope and healing.