Too often we see the cruelty stories of dogs abandoned, cops shooting dogs, dogs shot, stabbed, or set on fire, so it’s a nice change when we see people working together to save a four-legged friend. One such story started out similarly, but quickly turned to one that warms the heart as officers from LAPD stepped in to save a dog that they found on the side of the road, as reported by Fox News LA on Jan. 17, 2013.
Officers found the dog, a pit bull they named “Philly”, some time after he was hit by a car. When questioned, nearby residents said that they had seen the dog there for several hours, but assumed he was dead since he hadn’t moved. Upon noticing the severity of his injuries, the officers quickly transported Philly to a local veterinarian for emergency care.
Good news was short-lived after a microchip was found, which led authorities to the dog’s owner, who, after learning of the extent of the injuries, callously told them that they no longer wanted the dog and to put him to sleep. Philly had already stolen their hearts, so they asked for the owner to surrender the dog, and LAPD officers unofficially adopted him and vowed to see that he got the care he needed.
Philly has already undergone extensive surgery where his front leg was repaired with an artificial elbow. In addition to the injuries from the vehicle, veterinarians also found pieces of plastic and other foreign objects in his stomach. The dog appeared very thin, so it’s likely he was eating whatever he could find in order to survive. Since it’s evident he wasn’t properly cared for by his owners, being struck by a car ended up being a blessing in disguise for Philly.
Further surgeries are in store for Philly, and officers are asking for help in paying for his growing medical costs. A Facebook page, Rescuing Philly, is devoted to updating the public on his care and progress, and a Chip-In page has been established to accept online donations. Contributions are also being accepted by phone at 310-542-8018, or by mail directly to:
Advanced Veterinary Care Center
15926 Hawthorne Blvd.
Lawndale, CA 90260
(Please indicate that your donation is for Philly)
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