Vet Said Stray Dog’s Leg Needed To Be Amputated—Owner Didn’t Listen. Now He’s Running Around Like a Puppy!
Christina Mae—an ER nurse, animal lover, and TikTok creator—was driving alone down a remote Texas road in mid-May 2024 when she spotted something in the long grass in the distance. A white blob sat at the edge of the asphalt, and as Christina pulled into the shoulder, she could make out the nervous face of a puppy. The pup was only a few months old, but he wasn’t frolicking beside the road like a lost puppy.
The puppy was lying still and only stood once Christina exited her car to approach, but something was obviously wrong. He had a wound on his paw, scarring on his face, and an injured back left leg, though Christina didn’t yet know the extent of the damage. Knowing for certain he needed help, Christina scooped up the puppy and headed home with her unexpected passenger who she named Max.
After finding Max on the side of the road, Christina’s first order of business was to give him a good bath and get a meal in him. It was clear Max had been dumped by someone, and hadn’t had food for quite some time. He also wasn’t putting any weight on his back left leg, and though he was sweet and grateful to be safe, he wasn’t as lively as a puppy should be.
A trip to the vet confirmed Christina’s fears: Max had a broken hind leg, and the veterinarian recommended it be amputated. It looked like it was going to be a long road for Max, and Christina already had her hands full with work and a dog at home, but she still decided she needed to give Max a chance after a rough start in life.
@christinaamaee It’s been 5 months since finding Max-A-Roni! 🐶❤️🩹 #abandoned #puppy #rescue #found #fyp #foryou #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #rescuepuppy #max #madmax #bekindtoanimals ♬ suara asli – RD Music
Trying To Save Max’s Leg From Amputation
Although the first recommendation from a veterinarian was to amputate, Christina was beginning to fall in love with Max and was determined to do anything she could to save his leg. She found a vet three hours away who thought it would be possible to repair the broken leg, so Christina and Max set off for what would be the first of three surgeries for this sweet puppy.
Recovery was difficult, but Max had already become a cherished member of Christina’s family, and their spirits stayed high while they supported and loved him through healing. A few months later, they went through the process once again, then a third time in October, about five months after Christina found Max dumped on the road.
Healed, Happy & Home Forever
It had quickly become clear to Christina that Max belonged with her, and before his first surgery, she made the decision to keep Max and make him an official member of the family. Now, around six months since she found him, Max is healing well from his three surgeries and can use his rear left leg.
Max is still just a puppy, but because he’s a Great Pyrenees mix he’s quite large for his age. Still, now that his leg is repaired and he has recovered from the trauma of being abandoned, Max is a typical puppy who likes to play, cuddle, and get all the attention from his humans.
Thanks to Christina, Max is happy, healthy, and home with his forever family!
