Meet Sandy, an energetic puppy whose friendliness almost cost her life…

A few days before Thanksgiving, Joanne brought Sandy, her 7-month Golden-doodle, to the open field behind Monmouth Park Race Track, an unofficial “off-leash” area for many dogs in the area. Sandy, a smart dog with a sweet disposition and a winning personality, is known for being the “peacekeeper” among the dogs that frequent the area. She becomes disturbed when others dogs are barking at each other, will position herself between them and bark back to settle things!

There were several people and their dogs at the field that morning, and Sandy was happy to run and play with her friends. Across the street, a family was working on their lawn, using a blower to move and clear leaves. Sandy noticed them, and being a very social dog, took off running towards them to say hello. Despite the calls of Joanne and other observers, Sandy continued running across the street and was hit by a car.

At first, a frantic Joanne truly thought Sandy was dead. But, as she neared her fallen dog, she saw that Sandy was shaking badly and in shock, but alive! A neighbor, who is an EMT, raced from the field to help the injured puppy. He gently and expertly lifted Sandy off the ground Sandy and placed her in his truck to transport her to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, a large facility with a 24-hour emergency service. Another friend called the hospital to alert them to expect the critically injured dog in minutes.

When they arrived, an emergency team was standing by with a gurney to rush Sandy to see the doctors who would treat her and assess the scope of her injuries.

It was determined that Sandy had suffered two broken legs and severe pulmonary contusions from the impact of the car. Joanne and her family cancelled a holiday trip to Mississippi to stay near Sandy. But, the financial ramifications of Sandy’s needed surgeries and recuperative care, dimmed the joy Joanne felt after given the hope that the life her beloved dog’s could be saved.

Joanne turned to family for help, but circumstances and the impending holidays made it difficult for them to provide enough help. Seeing Joanne in the agonizing situation of desperately wanting to approve the extensive treatment her dog needed, but knowing she was unable to undertake the financial burden, Sandy’s doctor once again gave Joanne the precious gift of hope.

She spoke to Joanne about the mission of the Save U.S. Pets foundation and her possible eligibility for a grant. If the Foundation was willing to provide financial assistance for Sandy’s medical treatment, Joanne told her husband, Stephen, and children, Erin, Christopher, Caitlin and Colin; “If the Foundation is willing to help fund Sandy’s medical costs, they must think she has a pretty good chance of making it!”

At home, Joanne received a call asking her to come to the veterinary hospital to complete the grant request application. She went immediately and was told that, because of the emergency circumstances, an attempt would be made to rush the review process.

Within fifteen minutes of arriving home from the hospital, she was notified that her grant request had been approved. Her heart filled with joy - Sandy would be saved! Today, the resilient Sandy shows no physical signs from being in a serious accident and her doctors say she should have no lasting effects from her injuries. Her current X-rays show that her legs, shoulders and lungs are 100% functional. Although she has plates in her right legs, she doesn’t even limp! Joanne looks back on her experiences in Sandy’s crisis and reflects, “It amazed me. I had no idea the foundation existed. She says that people are “blown away” when they hear about the Foundations prompt actions to save her precious puppy. Joanne “can’t say enough about the Foundation or the doctors.”