A Texas-based dog and cat rescue called Three Little Pitties Rescue received a Facebook alert about a dog left alone beneath a freeway overpass.
Because of a language barrier and vague details about the location, her exact whereabouts were unclear.
Even with the uncertainty, Lindsey from the rescue headed out, determined to find the frightened dog. After searching for a while, she finally spotted her and called in three more rescuers to help with the severely scared and injured girl.
The Difficult Rescue Effort
Lindsey immediately saw that something was seriously wrong.
“From my first angle of seeing her, it looked like her foot had been chopped completely off,” she said.
The rescuers could not determine how long her leg had been like that or when she had been abandoned, but it appeared likely the injury occurred either during her dumping or from being thrown from a vehicle.
Regardless of how it happened, the girl had suffered extensive trauma and neglect.
Even in her eyes, the rescuers saw the deep pain she was enduring. She was completely exhausted and drained from the ordeal.
Lindsey’s thoughts raced: “How long was she under that bridge?” and “How long did it take for her to end up in this condition?” The most urgent priority, however, was getting her immediate help.
After roughly 30 minutes, the team managed to make her comfortable enough to move into the car. Her pain was so severe she could barely walk.
Frightened and vocal with discomfort, she still wagged her tail once she felt safe and comforted by her rescuers. Since it was late at night, they drove her directly to an emergency vet.
Rushing To Urgent Medical Care
During the trip to the emergency vet in Galveston, Texas, her condition seemed to worsen, and her distress increased.
“I heard her cry, and it was so sad and pitiful,” Lindsey said.
The dog, later named Lucie Caboose, was diagnosed with Pyometra, a serious uterine infection caused by not being spayed.
In addition, she was battling multiple infections affecting her heart, liver, kidneys, and injured foot, along with severe heartworm. Strong antibiotics were administered to combat these issues.
The vets were initially unable to perform surgery because her heart was too weak. Some days showed improvement, but setbacks repeatedly occurred.
Lucie fought hard, but ultimately her body could not withstand the extensive infections.
After more than $6,000 in medical expenses and several weeks in the hospital, the infection advanced further.
“She went peacefully surrounded by so much love that I hope she felt. She deserved more. 💔 She deserved a family who loved her, snuggled her and took care of her needs,” Three Little Pitties Rescue wrote in their Facebook post.
The team did everything possible to help her, and though her condition was severe, she was at least surrounded by people who cherished and cared for her.
“Lucie, we are so sorry this happened to you. We are sorry your owners failed you. We are sorry we couldn’t save you. We tried so hard to. We loved you and you were worth it. Your life mattered.”
Texas continues to face a large number of abandoned animals, and shelters remain over capacity.
Lucie’s story serves as a reminder that no dog should ever endure such neglect or suffering. Lucie, we hope you are finally comfortable, loved, and at peace.
