Hit by a Car While Eating Road Kill, Spencer Recovers and Waits for His Forever Home

 The tale of Spencer, a stray Doberman who was found severely injured and is now on the path to recovery and seeking his forever home, is a testament to resilience, the power of a caring community, and the miracles of modern veterinary medicine.

When Jackie O'Sullivan, co-founder of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC (RDRNYC), first saw Spencer's images, the Doberman was in a dire state. Struck by a car while scavenging roadkill for sustenance, Spencer's spine was severed. The initial pictures and videos were heartbreaking, showing the Doberman visibly distressed and twisted out of shape.

Once Jackie was alerted of Spencer's plight by a South Carolina animal shelter that found him, she knew immediate action was required. Given the severity of his condition, the shelter lacked the resources to treat Spencer, hence they reached out to RDRNYC, hundreds of miles away, to save the unfortunate Doberman.

From examining Spencer's home-cropped ears and a body riddled with scars, it was clear to Jackie that this wasn't the dog's first brush with adversity. His history hinted at a life riddled with abuse, leading him to scavenge on highways, where he met his latest misfortune. Jackie took immediate action, coordinating with Paws and Claws, a local vet clinic, to assess Spencer's condition.

Spencer's condition was grave. Alongside his broken spine, his gut was filled with bird bones that risked perforation, and he had several open wounds requiring treatment. However, the experts at the VCA Animal Specialty Center of South Carolina saw a glimmer of hope. Due to Spencer's youth and the fact that he could still feel his legs, they deemed him a suitable candidate for surgical intervention to mend his broken back.

Even amid this whirlwind of medical urgency, Spencer's spirit shone through. Despite his grave injuries, he demonstrated an incredible will to live. He was affectionate, showing his carers affection and enthusiastically eating, signs that prompted Jackie to greenlight the crucial surgery, regardless of the costs.

While Spencer battled for his life on the operating table, his heart-wrenching story began to circulate on the RDRNYC Facebook page. The response was tremendous, with an outpouring of support, well wishes, and donations from the online community.

In the aftermath of the successful surgery, Spencer was filled with a new zest for life. He was eager to start his physical therapy sessions, displaying a dogged determination that belied his recent trauma. Even better, his body was naturally passing the potentially harmful bird bones, eliminating the need for an additional stomach operation.

From the sling-supported early days of his recovery to his first independent steps, Spencer's journey has been an inspiring watch. Now relocated to the West Hills Animal Hospital & Emergency Center on Long Island, his days are filled with daily physical therapy sessions and playtime, with an array of donated toys that have brought out his youthful exuberance.

Spencer's recovery, although ongoing, has reached a point where he's now ready for a home. RDRNYC has started accepting adoption applications for him. His journey from a scarred and injured stray to a happy, playful dog eager for a new start in life is a shining example of resilience and recovery. As Jackie put it succinctly, "He is ready to have a great life," and there's nothing more heartening than seeing a dog like Spencer take strides toward that reality.