Audrey’s life changed when country music singer Jessica Lynn saw a photo of a dog who had survived an incredibly difficult ordeal. The little dog had been discovered inside an abandoned rental house with a severely injured leg, and her situation immediately touched Jessica’s heart. Although Jessica and her husband, Steve, were preparing for a major international tour, she couldn’t stop thinking about the dog who desperately needed someone willing to help her.
What began as an unexpected rescue became a life-changing journey for the couple and their new companion. Audrey would eventually face multiple surgeries, difficult setbacks, and a long search for prosthetic legs that could help her move comfortably again. Through it all, Jessica and Steve remained determined to give her the active, happy life she deserved.
A Rescue That Changed Their Plans
In 2020, Jessica and Steve were preparing for a world tour that would take them to 100 cities across 15 countries. Their schedules were packed, and they expected to spend approximately five months traveling for their music careers. Then Jessica came across a social media post shared by a man she had recently befriended after a magazine interview. The post featured Audrey, a dog who had reportedly been abandoned after losing part of a leg.
Jessica immediately wanted to bring her home. Steve initially wondered how they could possibly care for a dog with such significant needs while preparing to leave for months. But everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic brought their touring plans to a halt. Suddenly, the couple had the time to focus on helping Audrey recover.
Their unexpected break from touring lasted far longer than anticipated. Jessica explained that they did not return to work for two and a half years, giving them an opportunity to devote themselves to Audrey’s care.
Finding A Way For Audrey To Walk Again
Audrey had once walked on all four feet, and Jessica noticed that she continued trying to stand on her remaining limbs. Her determination encouraged the couple to explore prosthetic options, even when the process became difficult. They contacted specialists and searched for solutions, but several providers told them Audrey did not have enough remaining leg for a suitable prosthetic.
Meanwhile, Audrey experienced recurring sores and skin problems that made her recovery even more complicated. Jessica and Steve pursued several forms of supportive care, including acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Infernuso performed Audrey’s surgeries and helped the family work through her ongoing medical challenges. However, the skin covering her affected limbs was extremely delicate.
Even after periods of healing, Audrey’s skin could break open again when she attempted to walk. The repeated setbacks were difficult for her family, who wanted nothing more than to see her move without reopening those wounds.
An Unusual Treatment Brings New Hope
An unexpected idea came from Jessica’s mother, who had read about veterinarians using fish skin to treat animals injured during wildfires. The treatment had reportedly been used on bears and other animals, and the family wondered whether something similar could help Audrey. According to Jessica, fish skin treatment became the turning point they had been searching for. She credited the treatment with helping close Audrey’s persistent wounds and ending the chronic infections that had complicated her recovery.
Another important part of Audrey’s journey involved Joey’s Paw, an organization that helps dogs obtain wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs. Jessica and Steve said the organization provided assistance when they were struggling to find other options. Their experience left such a lasting impression that they became advocates for its work.
With continued care and the right mobility support, Audrey eventually achieved something her family had once feared might never happen. She could walk and run again.
From Rescue Dog To Touring Companion
Today, Audrey has a very different life from the one Jessica first learned about in that heartbreaking social media post. Rather than remaining at home while her family performs, Audrey travels with Jessica and Steve. She has become a familiar part of their touring life, affectionately described as their stage mascot and stage manager.
Her prosthetics continue to require attention, and Jessica shared that they were being refurbished at the time of the interview. Caring for Audrey remains an ongoing responsibility, but her family considers every effort worthwhile.
Jessica admitted that watching Audrey run can still bring her to tears. She remembers the conversations about whether Audrey would ever walk again and how uncertain her future once seemed.
For Jessica and Steve, welcoming Audrey into their lives meant changing their routines, their priorities, and their understanding of what caring for a special needs dog could involve.
Their journey has not always been easy, but Audrey now has a family committed to helping her enjoy the activities she loves. The dog who once faced an uncertain future is now traveling with her people, moving on prosthetic legs, and sharing in the adventures of their musical lives.
Toledo, United States.