"She's the sunshine of my life," Dixie's fur-mom, Darlene, says about her nine-year-old terrier. With no children of her own, Dixie is like a child to her. She rescued Dixie at just four-weeks-old from a neglectful breeder. Only two puppies survived; her sister has the twin littermate. “Dixie had to be fed from an eye dropper she was so weak and malnourished. She stole my heart from the very moment we met", says Darlene. Since then, the two have been inseparable. As a full-time truck driver, Darlene took Dixie everywhere. But her long career ended after an injury on the job left her permanently disabled. She’s been living on a modest fixed income ever since. When Darlene’s mother passed away, Dixie was critical to her emotional support. But Darlene’s world fell apart one week ago when she and Dixie were in their yard. A large neighborhood dog broke free from his leash and attacked the nine pound terrier. Miraculously, Dixie survived and was rushed to Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita. She underwent major surgery to repair severe damage to her right shoulder, a lung herniation, and broken ribs. Darlene exhausted her funds to save Dixie, her friends and family all pitched in to help as much as they could. The financial gap was filled with a grant from the Paw It Forward Foundation. The a non-profit fund is used for the purpose of providing financial assistance to pet owners in need, like Darlene. 100% of every dollar donated to the Paw It Forward Foundation is used to treat sick or injured animals.
At 2-weeks post-surgery from a brutal dog attack, Dixie is well on her way to recovery! She had her staples removed and there is no fluid in her chest. She’s putting some weight on her front leg, and the important thing is that all her nerves are connected. There was so much damage to her front leg from the dog bite that it will be awhile before she feels like using it again.
At 5-weeks post-surgery Dixie's recovery is exceeding all expectations. She's got so much spunk, plus the will and determination of a survivor. Take a look at her rocking her rehabilitation therapy. This therapy is covered with the help of YOUR donations. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You!
