One month after being run over and left for dead, a Redding dog got a second chance at life Tuesday with a new set of wheels.
In early October Action News showed you how the heroic efforts of a veterinarian and a dogie blood donor were able to save the life of Merced.
Its been a tough road to recovery for Merced but Tuesday was probably the best day he has had since his accident.
The last month and a half have been difficult for Merced and his owner Christina.
“Probably the first word that comes to mind is stressful, its been very stressful,” said Christina Burton.
Merced nearly died when he was hit by a car on October 3rd, but miraculously one of the first passers-by was a Haven Humane veterinarian.
“It took us a little bit to realize that he probably was not ever going to have full motion in his back legs again,” said Veterinarian Cyanna Brauning.
Merced was partially paralyzed and in the weeks since, he has been dragging himself along the ground, leaving open sores on his lower body.
“This morning I was at the point where I wanted to give up and i did not know what else to do,” said Christina.
But through the donation of a dogie wheel chair there was hope for Merced. About 15 people gathered Tuesday afternoon to see if he would walk again, and after a few tense minutes of fitting, Merced took his first steps.
“I could not believe he adapted to it like he did so quickly, I feel great, I feel like there is a whole 'nother line of hope for us now,” said Christina
After a few minutes of running around, the once lame dog not only had new wheels, but a new reason to live.
“I think that he just, night and day, his attitude, you can tell a huge difference from when he came in,” said Brauning.
Now that he is visibly happier and eating again, the only thing Merced has to worry about is getting his wheels caught up.
“It encourages me to do it again and do it with more animals, it was worth it,” said Brauning.
Merced's chair was donated by a company called Doggon' Wheels. They gave it free of charge when they heard his story.
The other dog in this story, Lilly, who donated life saving blood to Merced, was happily adopted about three weeks after our original story aired.
