Helping Pets & People

Lexi’s Second Chance: A Have A Heart Fund Success Story

One frigid night in December, a black lab named Lexi’s life changed in an instant. She had lost her way and was struck by a passing car. A family living nearby was decorating their Christmas tree when they peered out their window to see Lexi lying in the street. They rushed outside to see if she was still alive and found that she was suffering from a severely mangled front leg.

They brought her into their home and kept her comfortable through the night before surrendering her to the RHSPCA the next morning. Upon assessment, our veterinary staff found that her skin was the only thing keeping her foot attached to her body and so they immediately rushed her to the emergency vet.

While Lexi was awaiting the earliest available date for surgery, our staff reached out to Brian and Tammy Katzarellis about fostering sweet Lexi. Without hesitation, Brian and Tammy welcomed Lexi into their home and took care of her until her scheduled surgery date several days later. Lexi’s surgical team planned to insert a plate into the leg, held together with multiple screws.

Because Lexi was a stray, the Have A Heart Fund (HAHF) was called into action to cover the $5,500 reconstructive surgery. Generous support from donors like you have helped the HAHF fund grow to a point where we are able to save the lives of hundreds of deserving pets each year. No matter how an animal ends up in our care, the HAHF is there to provide life saving medical treatments.

We are so thankful that the family, our staff, and the emergency clinic acted as fast as they did. If they hadn’t, Lexi would have likely required a full leg amputation. With a recovery period of 8 weeks, Lexi is also fortunate to have received a loving foster home with the Katzarellis and their personal dogs. In a recent check in they said she quickly showed her spunky personality, trying to run and play with their dogs, even with her leg in a cast.

Without the Have A Heart Fund and the compassion of our staff and fosters, Lexi’s outcome could have been much different. Her story is a testament to the fact that, while life can change in an instant, by supporting our mission of helping animals in need, companion animals like Lexi can have a second chance at a life full of love.

Thank you to our devoted donors, staff, volunteers, and foster families who give to the Have a Heart Fund and make it possible to save lives like Lexi’s. We couldn’t do it without you.