When Petey was found wandering as a stray in Cumberland County, his future looked uncertain at best. Thanks to quick teamwork from rescuers, veterinarians, and volunteers with It Takes a Village Rescue NC, this handsome little man is now on the road to recovery—and adapting to life on three legs.
Lori St. James, founder and president of the Sanford-based rescue group that took in Petey, said her team didn’t hesitate when a coordinator reached out for help.
“The rescue coordinator sent us a message asking if we knew anyone who could help, and we said ‘yep, we will,’” recalled St. James.
One of the rescue’s volunteer transporters rushed Petey to an urgent care veterinary clinic when the rescue saw the severity of Petey’s condition. By the end of the day, the staff at Pinehurst Animal Hospital had cleared their schedules to make room for Petey’s emergency surgery.
Dr. Woodard began the operation, and when Dr. Iopollo returned from Raleigh, he brought his own dog to donate blood for Petey’s transfusion.
“Vet techs and staff stayed until 10 p.m. that night,” St. James said. “It was truly a village effort.”
On Friday evening, Petey was released into foster care, where he’ll focus on regaining weight before being neutered and treated for heartworms. Despite losing a leg, he’s adjusting quickly.
“Petey had actually been using the protruding bone as a leg to walk,” St. James said. “Now he’s learning to rebalance and walk with three legs and doing amazing.”
The rescue, based in Sanford, focuses on saving dogs from high-kill shelters, abusive environments, and the streets. Their mission is to provide medical care and second chances.
“Our vision is to extend our love across not only the Carolinas, but to any dog in need,” reads their mission statement. “Although some of the cases may break our hearts, they are quickly rebuilt by the resilience and strength that resonates from every dog.”
The rescue credits its success to a vast network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters across the Carolinas who stay connected through social media and a shared love of animals.
Happy and healing, Petey serves as another fine example of how volunteers can have an impact on the lives of the animals they rescue through compassion and collaboration.
To follow Petey’s journey and learn more about It Takes a Village Rescue NC, find the rescue on Facebook.
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~ Article and video by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Footage and photos courtesy It Takes a Village Rescue NC.
