Faces of No-Kill: Dog’s accident leads to a home
When Oakley was found in Weber County, Utah, after being struck by a car, things looked uncertain for the pointy-eared pup. She was in critical condition, with a shattered front leg and head trauma. Plus, her family couldn't be located. Time was ticking, so the local shelter contacted Best Friends to make sure Oakley got the specialized care she needed.
This story is a part of our Faces of No-Kill series, highlighting the journey of pets who lost their place to call home. These pets are thriving today thanks to animal shelters that said yes to lifesaving with a community that found a way to save them. Best Friends’ goal is for every shelter and every community to reach no-kill, and this story shows why that’s so important.
A patient worth falling for
Oakley was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital, where she received pain medication, IV fluids, and monitoring overnight. She’d suffered multiple injuries, but the biggest concern was her severely injured leg. It was clear to the veterinarians that her leg couldn't be saved, and Oakley underwent surgery to have it removed.
As soon as Oakley woke up from surgery, her bright spirit started shining through. Even in an unfamiliar place surrounded by new people, she was happy and easygoing.
Faces of No-Kill: Dog springs into new life on 3 legs
One of those new people was Kiyro Erickson, an emergency vet tech who had been there for Oakley's surgery. As Oakley recovered at the hospital, Kiyro found herself spending every spare moment with her. Somewhere between the care and the cuddles, Kiyro fell in love with her sweet patient.
A friendship beyond the hospital
Before long, Oakley had recovered from her injuries and was able to leave the hospital. Because no one had come forward to claim her, she was transferred from the shelter’s care to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Salt Lake City. However, a certain someone was already hoping to give her a home.
Kiyro couldn't stop thinking about the fluffy shepherd mix who had stolen her heart. Just a few days later, she drove to the pet adoption center and brought Oakley home.
Spirited stray dog loses leg but gains a new home
Today, Oakley is thriving with a family who adores her. While her journey began under hard circumstances, it led to something wonderful: a second chance and a special friendship with the person who helped her body and heart heal.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill
Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets.
Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.
You can help save homeless pets
You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.
Saving lives around the country
Together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them.
Get inspiring animal rescue stories delivered straight to your inbox
Never miss a feel-good animal story. When you give us your email, we’ll send you inspiring animal rescue stories each week, along with tips on different ways you can help save homeless pets in your community and beyond.