Lucy, the dog that was rescued about six weeks ago by Moxie "Engel" Black, after being hit by a car, continues her recovery.
Lucy had been badly injured, and when rescued by Moxie, was unable to move, had several lacerations, open wounds, and was in severe pain. The pair made a trip to an emergency veterinarian in Springfield who suggested that, due to the extent of her hip fractures, Lucy should be euthanized. Moxie, an animal lover and advocate, didn't accept that recommendation.
"She was coherent, engaged and looked at me with such loving eyes that said she knew she would get through this," Moxie explained.
Moxie began researching veterinarians who would be able to help Lucy and settled on Overland Park Emergency Veterinary and Specialty in Overland Park, Kansas. Surgery was scheduled for July 5, one week after Lucy's accident. The veterinarian noted that the damage was extensive and thought she might need to operate on both Lucy's right and left hip, but ultimately decided to operate on the right hip, leaving the left alone for now.
Moxie and Lucy have made multiple trips to Overland Park, as Lucy continues in her recovery.
"We had her two-week recheck on July 30," explained Moxie. "The doctor was pleasantly surprised at how well she is recovering, but said it's still too early to know if she needs another surgery. But she said that Lucy doesn't seem to care, which they said happens with some dogs, and they don't need a second surgery."
"She can get up on her own and walk on her own, for the most part, but she still wears the harness and I hold onto it for her safety," Moxie continued. "She is still light-footed on the leg she had surgery on, but the left leg, that was the worst, she acts like nothing ever happened."
Lucy's next veterinary appointment is set for August 29.
Said Moxie, "We will do x-rays to know how her healing is going and know more about another surgery. Sometimes dogs with these injuries develop bad arthritis in the head of the femur and have to have another surgery later on, but I'm hoping she is fine and won't need it."
Moxie continues to seek donations for Lucy's care through gofundme, at https://gofund.me/9e8b3ee0 (Saving Lucy). Lucy's medical costs, so far, have been about $7,000, which Moxie has mostly paid via credit. The gofundme account has brought in $1,765 so far. Lucy's story was also featured on KY3 last week, bringing more attention to Lucy and her situation.
"I want Lucy's story to be a catalyst for change for the better for the animals in Branson. I'm working on getting the city involved in the problems of dumping cats and dogs, in bringing low cost spay and neuter in, and most importantly, in building a new animal care facility in Branson in a new location, with a clinic, updated rooms for animals, and a healthier and more pleasing atmosphere for the animals and employees and volunteers," explained Moxie. "Somewhere with room for walking paths, exercise yards and many other things."
"Lucy is an amazing girl," continued Moxie. "She is always happy and gets along with my other animals. She is recovering better than expected, and it's a very rewarding experience to be going through this with her."
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