Couple Uses Wedding Fund to Pay for Surgery on Injured Dog Found on Side of Road: ‘She Deserved a Chance’

In a heartwarming tale of compassion and sacrifice, an Arkansas couple made headlines by redirecting their wedding fund to save the life of an injured dog they found abandoned by the roadside. Dylan McCay and Emily Roberts, the soon-to-be-wed couple, stumbled upon a Facebook post about an injured dog on October 31, setting in motion a series of events that would change their lives – and the life of one lucky Goldendoodle – forever.

A Fateful Discovery

On that rainy October day, Dylan McCay didn’t hesitate to drive 20 minutes to the location where the injured dog had been reported. What he found was a heart-wrenching sight: a soaking wet Goldendoodle, victim of a hit-and-run accident, lying helpless by the side of the road.

“It had been raining all day and she was wet. I gathered towels and blankets and sped to the location,” the couple recounted in their Facebook post. “Her back legs were both covered in blood and appeared broken… She was shivering and coughing.”

This moment of discovery would prove to be a turning point, not just for the injured dog, but for Dylan and Emily as well.

The Road to Recovery

Immediate Action

Without a second thought, McCay rushed the injured Goldendoodle to Greenbrier Animal Hospital. The veterinary team quickly assessed the situation, revealing the extent of the dog’s injuries:

• Both femurs in her hind legs were fractured
• There was a risk of infection due to prolonged exposure to rain
• The dog was not microchipped, leaving no way to contact an owner

Faced with these challenges, Dylan and Emily made a decision that would change their lives. “We decided in that moment that I would do whatever was necessary to help this puppy. She deserved a chance at life,” they shared on Facebook.

A Costly Commitment

The road to recovery for the Goldendoodle, whom they named Acklin, would not be an easy one. The required reconstructive surgery on her legs came with a hefty price tag of $10,000 to $15,000. For many, this might have been a deterrent, but not for Dylan and Emily.

In a remarkable display of selflessness, the couple made the decision to use their wedding fund and overall life savings to cover Acklin’s medical expenses. Their commitment to giving this dog a second chance at life outweighed their own plans for a dream wedding.

The Power of Community

Recognizing the magnitude of their commitment, Dylan and Emily turned to the power of community for support. They created a GoFundMe campaign to help raise additional funds for Acklin’s care, demonstrating that sometimes it truly does take a village to make a difference.

The response from the community was overwhelming. People from all walks of life, touched by the couple’s selfless act, contributed to Acklin’s cause. This outpouring of support not only helped with the immediate medical expenses but also paved the way for Acklin’s long-term care and rehabilitation.

A Successful Surgery and a Bright Future

On November 5, just days after their initial Facebook post, Dylan and Emily shared the news that everyone had been hoping for: Acklin’s surgery was a success. The brave Goldendoodle had made it through the complex procedure, marking the beginning of her journey to recovery.

“Our sweet girl is able to get this much-deserved help because of all of you,” the couple wrote in their update. “Her rehabilitation and therapy will be expensive, but we are working as hard as we can for our sweet girl.”

With the surgery behind them, the focus shifted to Acklin’s rehabilitation. The road ahead would be long and challenging, but with the unwavering support of Dylan, Emily, and countless others who had been moved by their story, Acklin’s future looked brighter than ever.

Lessons in Compassion: What We Can Learn

The story of Dylan, Emily, and Acklin serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that compassion and selflessness can have. Their actions teach us valuable lessons about kindness, priorities, and the difference one person – or in this case, one couple – can make.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

One act of kindness can create a ripple effect that touches countless lives. Dylan and Emily’s decision to help Acklin not only saved the dog’s life but also inspired others to contribute and spread the story, amplifying the impact of their initial act.

Redefining Priorities

In choosing to use their wedding fund for Acklin’s surgery, Dylan and Emily demonstrated a profound understanding of what truly matters. They prioritized a life in need over their own desires, setting an example of selflessness that resonates with many.

The Importance of Community

This story highlights the power of community support. When faced with overwhelming challenges, reaching out to others can make all the difference. The success of the GoFundMe campaign shows how small contributions from many can add up to make a significant impact.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Acklin’s story also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. Had she been microchipped, her owners might have been located, potentially avoiding the hit-and-run situation altogether.

How You Can Make a Difference: Tips for Helping Animals in Need

Inspired by Dylan and Emily’s story? Here are some ways you can make a difference in the lives of animals:

1. Foster or Adopt: Consider fostering or adopting animals from local shelters. This provides them with a loving home and frees up space for other animals in need.
2. Volunteer at Animal Shelters: Shelters often need help with tasks like walking dogs, socializing cats, or assisting with administrative work.
3. Donate: If you can’t adopt or foster, consider donating money or supplies to local animal rescue organizations.
4. Spread Awareness: Share stories like Acklin’s on social media to raise awareness about animal welfare issues.
5. Report Animal Abuse: If you witness animal abuse or neglect, report it to local authorities or animal welfare organizations.
6. Support Spay/Neuter Programs: These programs help control pet populations and reduce the number of stray animals.
7. Microchip Your Pets: Ensure your pets are microchipped to increase the chances of reunification if they ever get lost.
8. Educate Others: Share information about responsible pet ownership with friends and family.
9. Participate in Fundraisers: Join or organize fundraising events for animal welfare causes.
10. Learn First Aid for Pets: Knowing basic pet first aid can help you assist animals in emergency situations, like the one Dylan and Emily encountered.

A New Chapter Begins

As Acklin embarks on her journey of rehabilitation, Dylan and Emily face a future different from the one they had initially planned. Their wedding may be postponed, but their lives have been enriched in ways they never expected.

The couple has expressed their intention to provide long-term care for Acklin, opening their hearts and home to this resilient Goldendoodle. Their story serves as a testament to the profound bond that can form between humans and animals, often in the most unexpected circumstances.

While the road ahead may be challenging, with ongoing rehabilitation costs and the need to rebuild their savings, Dylan and Emily’s story has touched hearts across the nation. Their selfless act has not only given Acklin a second chance at life but has also inspired countless others to consider how they too can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

In the end, this tale of an injured dog and a compassionate couple reminds us all of the power of kindness, the strength of community, and the incredible impact that can come from choosing love and compassion in the face of adversity. As Acklin continues her recovery, she stands as a living symbol of hope, resilience, and the extraordinary difference that ordinary people can make when they open their hearts to those in need.