A woman’s dangerous rescue mission on a freeway in San Antonio, Texas, led to her saving an injured dog who was abandoned because of money.
Virginia Humphrey was driving home on October 29 when she spotted a man walking on the freeway with a dog. She got off at the next exit to turn around and help block traffic as it looked like he was attempting to get the dog to safety, but by the time she came back, the man and truck were no longer there.
“My first thought was relief that everyone was fine, but then I saw a dark mound on the side of the road,” Humphrey told Newsweek via email. “My heart dropped and I looked around to see if there were any other people slowing down, but all the cars sped right by.”
With her right foot in a small boot from a Jones fracture the day before, she put her flashers on, opened the back of her SUV, and hobbled over to check on the dog.
Sam the rescue dog, who was saved from the highway. A woman mustered up the strength to save Sam, bringing her to the emergency animal hospital for surgery.
Virginia Humphrey
Much to her surprise, the animal was alive, lifting her head and looking at her with big, brown, sad eyes.
A slight fear of dogs that stems from childhood did not stop Humphrey from stepping up and saving the dog. She immediately drove the dog to BluePearl Pet Hospital.
The owner was contacted as the dog was microchipped, but due to rising costs, the owner could no longer afford to pay the bills and said the dog could be euthanized.
Veterinary costs have risen about 11 percent from July 2022 to July 2023, according to a Forbes report. Dog food has also increased. Compared to 2020 prices, dry and wet dog food products combined increased by 45.5 percent, Veterinarians.org said.
But for Humphrey, euthanasia wasn’t an option.
Sam, as she was named, was in the hospital for several weeks with three fractured legs and other injuries. Humphrey paid for the surgery, medical boarding, vaccines and follow-ups out of pocket.
They contacted the previous owner after the surgery, but again, the owner did not want the dog back.
“I would’ve picked her up earlier, but with my broken foot, I could not carry her out to go to the bathroom or manage her because she could only walk on 3 legs, until now,” Humphrey said.
Sam returned home with Humphrey and will wear a custom sling for the next week due to a torn scapula muscle. She is expected to make a full recovery. Sam will need a hip replacement in the future.
Humphrey is fostering Sam until her forever family comes along to adopt her. She posted Sam on Rehome, an adoption website. Humphrey said those who are interested in adopting Sam can also reach out to VCA Becker Animal Hospital, BluePearl or her dental office at 6 to 9 Dental Texas. In the meantime, she’s enjoying getting smothered with kisses from Sam.
“Sam’s a wonderful dog and I am so glad she has an opportunity to live out her life,” Humphrey said. “I used to watch Bionic Woman when I was growing up. Sam is my bionic dog.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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