Hit-and-run Collie nominated for national award
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A brave Border Collie could be named the UK’s most miraculous pet after surviving against the odds following an horrific collision with a car.
Four-year-old Mist has been nominated for vet charity PDSA’s annual Pet Survivor awards by her owners, Catherine and Robin Davies from South Wales, after she survived a near-fatal hit-and-run accident earlier this year.
While out walking with her owner, something spooked Mist causing her to run off, straight under the wheels of a car, which didn’t stop.
Catherine said: “It all happened so quickly, and we were in completely shock. It was Saturday so I called our vet - Abbey Vets in Abergavenny – then we drove straight there. Mist was struggling to breathe and she was clearly in a lot of pain. Both her front and back legs were severely damaged. It was at this point I realised that we were in danger of losing her.”
Mist was given pain relief and emergency care, and her injuries were assessed. She had severe internal bruising and had dislocated her front right elbow and rear left hip. Without immediate emergency care, it’s unlikely that she would have survived.
Mist stayed over the weekend then was transferred to Langford Veterinary Hospital in Bristol for specialist care. She needed major surgery to pin her hip and her front leg was put in plaster. Mist required round-the-clock intensive care and nursing for a week.
Owner Catherine added: “The vets were brilliant, Mist had such fantastic care and they called us every day with updates. I was also very thankful I’d taken out pet insurance with PDSA, as I don’t know how we would have covered the cost otherwise. Putting Mist down wasn’t an option – she means the world to me – I would’ve given up a kidney to save her but thankfully it didn’t come to that!”
When Mist was well enough to come home the Davies family took turns to provide 24-hour care for her. She needed complete cage rest and a harness was used to help her go to the toilet. But slowly and steadily over the next six weeks Mist’s legs healed and she regained her strength. Catherine’s daughter even put regular ‘Pupdates’ on Facebook so friends and family could keep up with her recovery.
Catherine added: “We’ve had Mist since she was a puppy and she’s my baby really! We took out insurance straight away as we know it’s important, we chose PDSA Petsurance as we wanted a policy that paid the vet directly, and they offered a competitive rate. I’m so glad we did too – Mist’s care cost over £6,000 in total.”
PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards are open to any pet treated by a vet in the UK for a life-threatening illness or injury between 1 August 2015 and 1 August 2016. Pet owners wishing to nominate their pet can enter online at www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor. The closing date is midnight on Sunday 25 September.
PDSA Vet and Pet Survivor judge, Rebecca Ashman, said: “Every week, dedicated vet teams save lives and help to get our beloved pets back on their paws after serious injury and illness. The PDSA Pet Survivor Awards celebrate those extraordinary cases which capture a pet’s fighting spirit, their owner’s dedication and the expertise and skills of the vet professionals, saving lives and nursing them back to health. The stories we hear never fail to amaze us, and we’re looking forward to hearing about many more miracle pets.”
From the entries received, a panel of judges will shortlist a small group of miracle pets to take part in a public vote. The pet that receives the most votes will be declared PDSA Pet Survivor 2016 and will win a year’s PDSA pet insurance*.
PDSA Petsurance is currently offering up to 5% discount on policies taken out online, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurance. Quotes are also available by calling 0800 980 6000. PDSA Petsurance is selected by PDSA’s vets to offer the best protection for pets, and every policy contributes to the charity’s vital work helping pets in need.
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