When Iraq war veteran Aaron Schneider was driving down the interstate in Missouri he witnessed an innocent 5-year-old Beagle get hit by a car. The person responsible kept on driving, leaving the poor pup there to die.
Schneider had seen so many horrific things in his life, but this was by far one of the most shocking. Without hesitation, he pulled over and walked across three busy lanes to save the dog. The traffic was going 70 miles per hour, but Schneider was willing to put himself at risk to save the little dog.
The Rescue
Schneider was able to pull the Beagle off to the side of the busy road. However, the poor dog was in so much pain that he didn’t want to be lifted into the car. So, Schneider called 911 immediately, hoping that they could rush to the scene.
911 told Schneider that he had to wait for animal control to arrive. So, the veteran waited and waited beside the pup for help to come. Rain began pouring down, but he refused to leave the dog’s side. Eventually, 3 hours passed and still no sign of animal control. Schneider realized that he had to take matters into his own hands.
After spending a few hours together, the Beagle seemed to trust Schneider enough to be picked up. So, Schneider made a makeshift stretcher for the dog and carried him into his friend’s truck. With animal control still not there, they rushed the dog to Chipman Road Animal Clinic. At the clinic, the staff gave him the name Buster.
“At the end of the day, my combat lifesaver training kicked in, and I’m thankful I was able to use it to help him,” Schneider said. “Having served in Iraq, you see a lot of loss, which is one of the reasons I was determined to see him make it.”
Buster’s Recovery
At the clinic, they were able to stabilize Buster, but his injuries were too severe for their care. Unfortunately, he had five broken ribs, a torn windpipe, and some internal bleeding. So, the clinic staff brought him to BluePearl Veterinary Partners Emergency Hospital for proper medical care. He was kept in extensive care while he made his full recovery.
“Without question, had Mr. Schneider not have helped Buster get to a veterinarian, he would have died from his injuries,” said Dr. Brian Lucas with BluePearl.
A kind organization called Friends of KC Animals stepped forward to help Buster too. They paid for all the medical costs during Buster’s time at the hospital. Like Schneider, they couldn’t stand to see a dog in pain, so they wanted to help in any way possible.
During Buster’s time at the hospital, Schneider realized that he couldn’t leave without the sweet little dog. After all, no one came to claim the Beagle, so he didn’t have a place to call home. Once Buster was healthy again, Schneider adopted him. Now, the two of them are living together happily.
In fact, Buster is doing so well that you would never even know he was in a car accident. Schneider is the type of hero we should all strive to be because if it weren’t for him, Buster never would’ve gotten a second chance at life.
H/T: fox4kc.com
Featured Image: @fox4kc/Facebook and @ChipmanRoadAnimalClinic/Facebook
Toledo, United States.
