It’s every pet owner’s nightmare, but luckily the story of Joey the golden retriever has a happy ending with the dog all set to play a big role in a couple’s wedding later this year.
Nikki Harrington-Carter from Reggie’s Place doggy day care in Playden recently shared the story of Joey’s accident. Joey is a regular at Reggie’s Place and was the first dog to join the day care when it opened in February last year. Nikki loves sharing the dogs’ adventures with regular photos to the owners, so when Joey wasn’t included other dog parents started wondering where he was.
Joey was hit by a car whilst out on a walk in Tenterden. Joey is well behaved and full of energy. He likes to run, but this time he excitedly ran ahead, a little too far away and then out of sight from his owners Lucy and Matt. They ran as fast as they could to catch up only to find someone holding him by his collar. They did not realise the path led directly onto a road and, as they got closer, they realised he was hurt and had a significant open fracture to his leg. A big shock for them but luckily the lady holding his collar gave them a lift back to their car so they could take him straight to the emergency vet in Ashford.
There the vets gave him medication and stabilised his fracture so he could then be transferred to a specialist veterinary practice in Marlow called The Ralph. Things weren’t straight forward: an infection in the wound meant a two-week delay before his operation, then a failed procedure to fix the fracture and another operation. Joey’s final operation was a pan tarsal arthrodesis on both his back legs, a procedure involving fusing the ankle joint into a walking position.
After a further three week stay at The Ralph, Joey could finally return home to recuperate. He is doing well despite being a little apprehensive about walking and, after a stressful time for Joey and the family, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Joey’s insurance at £10,000 was exhausted even before the operations started and due to the complexity of the injuries and the care needed this meant further large bills. After Nikki shared a post on social media about the incident there has been an influx of messages from well-wishers, with people wanting to donate to help with the vet’s bill.
Lucy says people have been so thoughtful. “We can’t believe everyone’s generosity. We are truly overwhelmed and we can’t thank every single person that has donated or shared enough. We are extremely grateful. Nikki’s support has been amazing, and her offering to set up a go fund me page is so kind.”
Lucy and Matt are getting married in September and Joey will be chaperoned by Nikki at their wedding. We wish the couple well for their big day and a full and speedy recovery for Joey.
If you would like to donate please follow the link https://gofund.me/57477411
Image Credits: Lucy Clark , Nikki Harrington-Carter .
I wanted to donate for the dog but my bank didn’t let me
how can I donate for this pair dog