A dog in Washington has a second chance at life after being left for dead in a ditch.
Theia is being fostered by a new family, and over $20,000 has been raised to support her recovery.
The dog was hit by a car, and suffered a broken jaw and other injuries. Believing that Theia was not going to make it, someone hit her in the head with a hammer in an attempt at euthanasia, according to foster mother Sara Mellado.
Although she was put in a ditch and expected to die, Theia lived, and made it back to her farm. A worker took the dog to a vet, who informed Mellado that Theia had severe sinus and nasal damage from blunt force trauma to the head.
"Due to the accident and dislocated jaw, her mouth and throat are very swollen and she has difficulty breathing through her mouth," Mellado reported. "Overall, she has difficulty breathing and is overly exhausted from not being able to sleep."
The dog also has difficulty breathing through her nose, and requires surgery to repair the nasal damage.
A crowdfunding goal of $10,000 has been exceeded twice over, and Washington State University Veterinary Hospital also provided Theia with a grant. Her surgery is scheduled for April 22.
"A trust will also be created in her name to cover all medical expenses and her expenses going forward and once is all said and done, all left over proceeds will be paid forward," Mellado said.
"This is all so generous and just absolutely amazing and I will admit that tears of joy and appreciation have flowed a few times in the last couple days."
Mellado said Theia has learned basic commands and is housebroken. The foster mum's "first priority" is completing Theia's surgery successfully and getting her in good health before placing her for adoption.
