Recently, Dylan McCay came across a heartbreaking Facebook post about a Goldendoodle that broke his heart. The dog had been struck in a hit-and-run and was left injured on the roadside. Without hesitation, Dylan drove 20 minutes to the location, where he found the dog lying in the rain, her body covered in blood and her two legs broken. Despite the dire situation, he gently lifted her into his car and rushed her to an emergency hospital, determined to save her. “She was shivering and coughing,” Dylan shared on Facebook, recalling how, despite her critical injuries, the dog never whined or growled. “She tried to crawl towards me and laid her head on my lap.”
The Goldendoodle, now named Acklin, was not microchipped, and no one came forward to claim her. This meant that Dylan would be covering all of her medical expenses. Yet, he remained unwavering in his resolve to help her heal, no matter the cost.
Acklin’s injuries were extensive: both femurs were fractured, she was covered in fleas, her lungs were bruised, and she was in shock. There was an initial fear that one of her legs might have to be amputated. But even amid such distress, Acklin’s gentle and loving nature shone through, and Dylan and his fiancée, Emily Roberts, devoted themselves to her recovery.
As medical costs mounted, the couple dug deep into their life savings and even their wedding fund to cover Acklin’s treatments. Fortunately, their story touched the hearts of many, and strangers began stepping in to help. A GoFundMe page raised over $18,000 to alleviate their financial burden.
Throughout her treatments, Acklin proved to be a fighter, and soon, they received encouraging news: her leg would be saved, sparing her from amputation. While physical therapy is still needed and her path to full recovery is ongoing, Acklin has already begun walking mostly on her own.
The greatest news of all came when Acklin was released from the hospital to start her new life with Dylan and Emily. In her loving new home, Acklin’s future looks bright, thanks to the selflessness and compassion of her rescuers and the kindness of those who supported her journey. Acklin is now healing, safe, and cherished, surrounded by the love she deserves.
Merida is a senior who was found abandoned in a backyard with her sibling who had passed away. She was left to fend for herself as an 11-year-old with diabetes. Thankfully, Kanoa Rescue Foundation stepped in to save her, but she still needs your help!
Thank you to Dylan, Emily, all who donated, and the veterinary staff for helping Acklin through this tough time. She is so worth it! And now she gets to be a guest at her parents’ future wedding!
Toledo, United States.
