She couldn’t stop wagging her tail 🐕
Golden Retriever Hit by Car Rescued and Thrives
On November 20, a cream-colored golden retriever wandered along Highway 26 near Othello, Washington. At some point, a car struck her.
For hours, the injured dog lay in the grass, shivering and unable to move. As the sun began to set, two volunteers from Adams County Pet Rescue (ACPR) spotted her while driving by.
Immediate Rescue
The volunteers pulled over and slowly approached the dog.
“She was very cold, curled up, shaking, and wouldn’t move,” said Kyya Grant, ACPR’s shelter director.
Although the volunteers had been out on another rescue mission that day, they stopped to help. They called Grant to explain the situation.
“She was scared, in pain, and in shock,” Grant said. “Her tail wagged when they talked to her. She seemed to know help was coming.”
A Creative Solution
Grant asked the volunteers to bring the dog, later named December, back to the shelter. Both volunteers’ crates were full—they had already rescued a mama dog and three puppies that morning.
Refusing to leave December behind, the volunteers performed some doggy Tetris. They safely fit December into one crate and the family of four into another, then headed straight to safety.
Veterinary Care and Healing
At Sagehills Veterinary Clinic, December received X-rays, an ultrasound, fluids, and pain medication. She had a sprained leg and a swollen chest, but thankfully, no broken bones or critical injuries.
“December was very lucky,” Grant said.
Without a collar or microchip, no family could be contacted. ACPR welcomed her into the shelter to recover fully.
“She can stand with pain medication, but she starts trembling if she’s up too long,” ACPR wrote. “Short trips outside for potty breaks are all she needs for now.”
A Loving Personality Emerges
Despite the trauma, December quickly showed her lively personality. She warmed up to her new environment and became extremely affectionate.
“She loves people more than anything else and just wants to be with them constantly,” Grant said.
As she healed, December started chasing tennis balls, playing with stuffed toys, and enjoying gentle walks.
A Remarkable Recovery
Grant said December’s recovery amazed everyone.
“We can’t remember a dog that got hit by a car and recovered so well,” she said. “She’s active, loves her walks, and other than some missing hair, you wouldn’t know she had been injured.”
Ready for a Forever Home
Once December fully heals, she’ll be ready to find her forever family. Her playful, affectionate nature makes it clear she will quickly win the heart of anyone who meets her.