L ate one Sunday evening, I had been up north on a rescue run and was nearly home.  Due to a highway construction project, the exit ramp had been enclosed by concrete barriers and the turnoff was poorly marked. I missed it.   It was cold and windy and the next turnoff was another 5 or 6 miles down the road. I would have to backtrack and arrive home even later than I had expected.

Just over the next hill, I spotted a police car sitting on the shoulder of the road to my right. I pulled over into the fast lane to give the officer plenty of room to handle whatever situation he had encountered.

As I drove by, I could see the officer kneeling and giving comfort to a medium sized dog who, I guessed, had been hit by a vehicle. I was going too fast to stop then, but I knew that I would be coming back to offer my help.

I drove as quickly as I could to my home and had already alerted my son to be out front to pick up the animal that I had been transporting. I asked him to retrieve a blanket or some towels, and a crate in case I needed it.

Sure enough, the officer was still there, but he was sitting in his car when I pulled up in front of him and stopped. The animal he had been helping had dragged himself into the tall grass further off the highway.

The officer had already been waiting for about 45 minutes for the county Animal Control to send someone out and so I told him that I would take the little guy for emergency medical help if he would let me. Together, we eased the pup onto a blanket and laid him in the back of my car.

I had hoped to find local emergency services, but that did not happen, and so I drove to Los Lunas Animal Clinic to meet Dr. MacDougal and one of his assistants. Xrays were taken and pain medications were given to the little guy. We made him comfortable for the night and hoped that the morning would bring us signs of a possible recovery. And, we named him Stryker.

Stryker was less than 6 months old. The contents of his stomach and gut were troublesome due to the fact that he had been hit so hard by that vehicle. He was very thin and it looked like he had been eating chickens or birds.  His stomach was full of bones and rocks which could have punctured his stomach and intestines adding to the seriousness of the injuries he had sustained.

Stryker's injuries were very bad. We didn't know if his spinal cord had sustained irreversible damage, but his hips and pelvis were broken. The next morning, tests seemed to indicate that he might have  a chance so we brought him to Manzano Animal Clinic in Albuquerque for surgery.

It wasn't until the surgery had started that we found he had indeed suffered injuries that could not be repaired. We had to let him go on the operating table. His luck in life included having an owner who did not care enough about him to keep him safe. Strangers gave him comfort and aid in the last few hours of his life.   Stryker's bill - $1690.00!

The young officer (State Police) showed up at Manzano Animal Clinic the next morning to offer to foster the pup while he recuperated from surgery. I think I was supposed to miss that turnoff: to try to help Stryker, and, to meet a young man who exemplifies the epitome of those who have pledged to serve and protect.  His name is Rick Williamson.  He was undergoing training to investigate animal abuse cases and he may be certifed by now. 

I am honored to have met you, Officer Williamson.

Not all rescue stories end with a new family and a life to live happily ever after. But, we will always try to save the little ones who need our help.

Your donations are tax deductible and the money replenishes our medical fund to help the animals. Lap Dog Rescue of NM has no paid employees. We don't even use our donated funds for dog food and incidentals. In addition to your thoughts and prayers for the little ones like Lucky, we truly appreciate your financial support.