Couple Sacrifices Everything to Save Goldendoodle after Hit-and-Run
In a heartfelt act of compassion, a couple from Arkansas has put their wedding plans on hold and utilized their life savings to rescue a Goldendoodle named Acklin, who was left severely injured following a hit-and-run incident.
A Life-Changing Decision
On November 2, Dylan McCay and his fiancée, Emily Roberts, shared their story of bravery and love for animals on Facebook, documenting their journey in an album titled “Saving Acklin”. The couple’s decision was prompted by a disturbing post they saw on Halloween about a puppy left injured on the side of the road.
McCay wrote, “She had been struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run. It had been raining all day and she was wet. I gathered towels and blankets and sped to the location.”
Rescue Mission
Upon arrival, McCay found the puppy in a desperate state, with her back legs heavily injured and bleeding. With the help of kind strangers, they rushed Acklin to the veterinary hospital. Remarkably, despite her condition, Acklin displayed resilience, attempting to crawl towards McCay and resting her head on his lap.
Unfortunately, Acklin did not have a microchip, which meant all medical expenses would fall on McCay and Roberts. Faced with a challenging choice, McCay stated, “I decided in that moment that I would do whatever was necessary to help this puppy. She deserved a chance at life.”
Medical Challenges Ahead
The couple faced a daunting financial hurdle, as the veterinary staff outlined Acklin’s severe condition, which included:
- Bruised lungs
- Broken hind legs
- Open fracture
- Infections
- Numerous fleas
McCay revealed, “The next morning, the doctor called to inform me that the leg with the open fracture would need to be amputated, and the other leg requires a specialist for a very difficult surgery.” Undeterred, the couple sought additional surgical options, eventually traveling 10 hours to Mississippi State University (MSU) for specialized care.
A Ray of Hope
Fortunately, the surgery at MSU was a success. The surgical team not only reconstructed Acklin’s injured leg but also managed to save her other leg, which initially seemed destined for amputation. Following the surgery, Acklin will require physical therapy and ongoing treatment at home to mitigate future complications.
As McCay noted, “The surgeons at MSU expressed concerns that arthritis could develop early, and there is a possibility of hip dysplasia.”
Progress and Donations
In a November 8 update, McCay shared encouraging news: Acklin has started to bear weight on her back leg and is capable of going for walks with minimal assistance. He expressed hope that she could return home soon.
The couple expressed immense gratitude to their supporters, stating, “We cannot thank you all enough. Words can never describe the gratitude Dylan and I are feeling. Our sweet girl is able to receive this much-deserved help because of all of you.”
How You Can Help
Acklin’s recovery journey is far from over, and financial assistance is vital to cover ongoing medical expenses. To contribute to Acklin’s recovery, you can donate through her GoFundMe page. Additionally, sharing McCay and Roberts’ updates on Facebook can help raise awareness of Acklin’s story and the urgent need for support.
Let’s come together to ensure that Acklin receives the love, care, and healing she deserves.
