Dog's Up for Adoption News & Entertainment
Poodle’s Zest for Life After Hit-and-Run & Euthanasia Scare Inspires New Home Search
Natalie Hoage
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Rescued from the brink of euthanasia at a high-kill shelter, Mikey, a 3-year-old Terrier/Poodle mix, has beaten the odds. With a broken leg and numerous injuries believed to be from a car accident, Mikey’s will to survive has inspired Lovebugs Rescue in Southern California. Now recovering from surgery and eager for a new beginning, Mikey exemplifies the resilience and hope that defines the work of animal rescuers.
Mikey’s Euthanasia Date Was Already Set
Mikey’s plight came to light on March 23rd, when Kelly Hammons of Lovebugs Rescue received a distressing email from the South L.A. Shelter. The message detailed the urgent need for intervention for dogs facing euthanasia, among them was Mikey, bearing the scars of a suspected car collision. With a leg hanging limply, coated in tar, and stained with blue paint—possibly from a paintball—Mikey’s situation seemed dire.
Despite languishing in the shelter for a week without medical intervention or adoption prospects, Mikey’s demeanor surprised Hammons. “He was super sweet and loving,” she recalled, a testament to his enduring spirit.
The turning point came when Laura Engel, a dedicated foster with Lovebugs, stepped forward to nurture Mikey back to health. This decision came serendipitously as Engel had just farewelled Tito, another foster with a similar leg injury. Engel’s intuition told her Mikey was special.
A Foster Mom Stepped in Asking to Care for Mikey
Surgery was imperative for Mikey, revealed by an orthopedic consultation. With a straightforward fracture but complicated by time and scar tissue, the operation on March 27th was both necessary and successful, albeit with a steep financial cost. Lovebugs Rescue, reliant on donations and volunteer support, now faces the daunting task of covering the $7,700 expense for Mikey’s care.
Mikey was taken to an orthopedic surgeon for examination. X-rays revealed a femur fracture on Mikey’s left back leg. The vet described it as a straight, clean break. However, due to the amount of scar tissue that had formed around the break, and because significant time had passed since the initial injury, Mikey would require surgery. The procedure was scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th.
The Rescue is Seeking Donations for Mikey’s Care
Mikey’s surgery went smoothly, and he is now at home recovering with his foster mom. While the surgery was a success, it came at a significant cost. The initial consultation with the orthopedic surgeon was $800, and the estimated cost for the surgery itself was a whopping $6,900.
Hammons admitted, “That $7,700 bill is difficult for our entirely donation-based, volunteer-run rescue to cover. We would greatly appreciate any donations to help with Mikey’s medical expenses if anyone is willing and able to contribute.”
Despite the financial burden, Lovebugs Rescue is committed to ensuring Mikey receives the care he needs to make a full recovery. If you would like to donate towards Mikey’s surgery and rehabilitation costs, you can do so here. Mikey is described as dog and cat-friendly and a pup who loves everyone he meets. If you’d like more information about Mikey or to find out how to adopt him, visit Lovebugs Rescue or contact Kelly Hammons via email at [email protected].
