While mountain biking with friends near Columbus, Georgia, Jarret Little had a life-changing experience.
The group stopped on the side of the road to take a break and assess their situation. However, as they rested, a dog lugged itself out of the woods slowly. The ribs were visible due to extreme weight loss and there was evidence he had been hit by something–possibly a car–from the road rash AND broken leg.
Little told CBS News that “he appeared really thin” and in need of medical attention right away.”
The cyclists fed the dog some food and water when they realized he was hungry and thirsty. They didn’t know if the dog needed help, but Little decided he would carry him into town just in case.
He placed the dog’s broken leg carefully in his back pocket before putting him on his shoulders. An image of the two of them has now gone viral online.
The moment they arrived in town, a woman became enthralled by the injured dog. Andrea Shaw was out on business and immediately felt drawn to the sweet pup.
“I’m saving this dog – he’s bleeding and broken and I won’t leave him alone,” is what Shaw said when she called her husband right after encountering the dog. She took custody of him from Little and brought him straight to a vet for medical care. “She decided to keep him and get him checked out medically,” Little said with relief.
When Shaw saw Columbo for the first time, she immediately felt a connection with him and graciously paid for his surgery. Since then, he has been welcomed as a permanent member of her horse farm in Maine–named after the city he was found.
It was fate that Shaw and Little crossed paths and rescued the injured dog–or so they believe. “If I had been five minutes earlier or later, we never would have run into her,” said Little of their fortuitous meeting.
Thankful for organizations like Grateful Doggies, Columbo–now lovingly nicknamed “Bo”–was able to travel from his previous home all the way to Maine, where he is now safe. Says Bo’s owner Shaw of the journey: “He arrived with 25 staples in his hind leg after having four pins put it to stabilize the fractures and a full cast on a front leg due to a broken toe.” We can only hope more animals will have such kind-hearted humans taking care of them along their travels.
Shaw created a page, entitled The Adventures of Columbo, in order to document Bo’s progress and provide support for other dogs who find themselves in need. According to Shaw, Bo is settling into his new home nicely and has even taken a liking to his canine siblings– big brother Luquillo included! While he still has some recovery ahead of him, Bo has already begun physical therapy sessions aimed at getting him back on his feet.
In the meantime, he gets to relax in his own “convertible” dog crate while the others play; and as if that weren’t enough reason to envy poor Bo’s plight– he also gets delicious snacks!!! We hope you’re feeling better every day, boy!
(h/t: theanimalrescuesite)