Watch CBS News

Animal Rescue, Vet Hospital Team Up To Save Dog Hit By Car

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - A young Jack Russell Terrier is in stable condition after being run over by a hit-and-run driver as he attempted to cross a very busy 8 Mile Road near Schaefer in Detroit this past Tuesday.

Witnesses say they saw a small red car hit the pup and send him flying further into the busy street. According to one eye-witness, the driver of the red car saw that he had hit the dog, but sped away from the scene leaving the dog for dead.

The dog appeared to have a broken leg, but was somehow able to drag himself across the road and out-of-the-way of further oncoming traffic.

With the help of several good Samaritans who saw all this unfold, the dog was wrapped in a blanket and brought to a nearby veterinarian clinic in Southfield. The clinic did what they could to make the dog comfortable, which the good Samaritans paid for, but the clinic refused to do anything further because the medical expenses were deemed too expensive.

Without taking a single x-ray to fully assess the damage, the clinic recommended the dog be put to sleep. After the good Samaritans begged for the clinic's help, they finally relented and contacted their local no-kill animal shelter, Almost Home.

Without hesitation, Almost Home kennel manager Lisa McVeigh was out the door and within minutes had the dog in her car, heading north to Wilson Veterinary Clinic in Romeo.

Gail Montgomery, director of Almost Home, said they decided to name the dog "Wilson" after the Wilson Veterinary Clinic.

"They are always open to helping us and very gracious when we don't have the funds readily available to help the animals that come to us sick or injured. We have an excellent relationship with them, because they feel as we do that every single life is precious," Montgomery said in a release.

After a thorough examination, Wilson is being treated for a broken jaw, a broken leg, and several cuts and lacerations. He is in serious but stable condition. The dog appears to have been in good health prior to the accident and Wilson Veterinary Clinic thinks his prognosis is good for him to recover from his injuries.

With costs already running into the thousands of dollars, Almost Home is welcoming donations to help cover Wilson's medical bills. Anyone wishing to make a donation should visit www.AlmostHomeAnimals.org. Citizens are asked not to contact Wilson Veterinary Clinic directly, as they are not at liberty to release medical information.

Anyone who believes Wilson may be their lost pet should bring proof of ownership, including medical records and photos, to the shelter. Hours are Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The shelter is located at 25503 Clara Lane in Southfield.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.