Emma Was Hit By A Car With A String Around Her Neck

Emma’s life changed in an instant when a foster with Strong Paws Rescue witnessed her being hit by a car on the streets of Houston. The driver didn’t even stop.

Thankfully, someone did.

The foster immediately rushed to Emma’s side and got her the emergency veterinary care she desperately needed. But as rescuers began to learn more about this sweet girl, it became clear that the accident was only the latest hardship she had endured.

Emma was found with a shoestring tied tightly around her neck and was covered in fleas. Even more heartbreaking, she was full of milk, indicating that she had recently given birth — yet there were no puppies anywhere in sight. It appears Emma may have broken free from wherever she had been kept before wandering into the street.

Now, Strong Paws Rescue is determined to give Emma the care and compassion she should have had all along.

Emma Needs Orthopedic Surgery

Emma was immediately taken to Heights Veterinary Clinic, where veterinarians discovered a spiral fracture in her leg that will require orthopedic surgery. Despite everything she has endured, rescuers are grateful that her injuries weren’t even more severe.

Because of the force of the impact, there was also concern about possible lung trauma, and Emma needed to be closely monitored for signs of bruising or other complications.

Emma is currently unable to stand on her own, although she has been able to eat a small meal. Her temporary foster is a veterinarian, which means this incredibly vulnerable girl can remain under close observation while she awaits surgery.

There is another concern, too. Because Emma recently gave birth and is still producing a significant amount of milk, her foster is carefully helping relieve the pressure on her mammary glands to reduce her risk of developing mastitis. Thankfully, there are currently no signs of infection.

An Emergency Strong Paws Never Expected

There was no time to prepare for Emma’s arrival. Strong Paws Rescue had already faced an incredibly expensive stretch of veterinary cases when their foster happened to witness the accident.

But leaving Emma injured and suffering in the street simply wasn’t an option.

Her initial emergency care alone has been, understandably, more than a small rescue can manage alone, and her upcoming orthopedic surgery will add significantly to the expense. She will also need continued monitoring and veterinary care as she begins the long process of recovering from both the accident and everything she endured before her rescue.

Emma has already survived more than any dog should have to.

She survived whatever circumstances left her with a shoestring around her neck. She survived losing or being separated from her puppies. And somehow, she survived being struck by a car.

Now she needs our help to survive the next chapter — and finally have the chance to heal.