Miracle Pup Recovery Fund

Update March 27, 2023: Alma has experienced a set back in her healing. She is looking at a couple more weeks in the vet clinic to clear infection. Any donations towards her care are so greatly appreciated.

My name is Melissa Justice. My husband, Mike Justice, and his friend came across and injured dog on a rural road in Garfield MN Wednesday January 25th. When they got out to check it out, she got up, hobbled over to them and collapsed at their feet.

Originally we thought she had been hit by a car and were devastated to find out once she got to the vet that she had been shot, in the back with buck shot (presumably).

Our hearts are broken for this sweet dog. After a massive social media attempt to find her humans, nobody has come forward. There is an investigation going on with the sheriff’s department but we’re not hopeful that will lead anywhere either.

We will be giving her a name today when we see her in person, for now, we’re calling her Miracle Pup.

When I called the closest clinic to where they (husband and miracle pup) were located, I was certain they’d turn me away and I’d be calling dozens of them to find one that could treat her. I couldn’t have been more wrong, they were giving me drop off instructions within minutes, we are so grateful. Alexandria Vet Clinic in Alexandria MN. Dr Christensen is her vet and he is one of the most compassionate vets I’ve worked with.

She was hypothermic on arrival with a severe wound to her back. It might have been hours or possibly more than a day since she had been shot there is significant tissue damage as you can imagine. Her body temperature is regulated today but they will need to wait to conduct surgery until some of her tissue has repaired itself. Hopefully early next week, but likely not until late in the week. She’ll need to be there for several weeks after surgery depending on her healing. It’s going to be a long road to recovery. Likely physical therapy too.

We are unsure of what will happen to her when healed. We can guarantee that she will be safe and loved for the rest of her life regardless of where she goes. We have potential fosters and adopters lined up, which we either know personally or will be fully vetted. If we go that route. We are also prepared to get solid proof of “ownership” if any person comes forward to claim her.

The community’s outpouring of support is so heartwarming. There are truly good people in this world. Some may not understand the need to protect animals, but they can’t speak for themselves and certainly need our help in times like these. Any donations are so deeply appreciated by everyone involved in this effort. We are unsure what the cost will end up being but are certain it will be at least $3,000 so are starting there. If we do end up with overages for her care, they will be donated to Bailey’s Hope, an organization that helps with canine medical expenses.

Thank you! And thank you for all the advice and love. We just couldn’t be more grateful to be able to not worry about the total responsibility for financials of her care and recovery, we need to be able to buy eggs for our teenage sons.