Save Thousands of Animal Lives in Oregon

Duke’s Road to Recovery     

Duke is one of the sweetest Boxers you’re likely to meet. He’s a dog with a lot of heart and boundless energy. When his human mom, Debbie, found out he had been hit by a logging truck this summer, she panicked. “I just went, ‘oh my god.’ My first thing, was like, I have to save this dog,” she said.

Debbie found Duke injured and scared just beyond the road near her home.  She and a friend wrapped him in a sheet and drove him to the nearest veterinarian. The doctor they found recommended DoveLewis for specialized, critical care.

When Debbie arrived at DoveLewis in Portland later that evening, the doctors took x-rays to assess his injuries. His left femur was shattered into several fragments, and his pelvis was fractured. He had suffered blood loss, swelling and was incapable of walking. Surgery would be difficult.  One of DoveLewis' veterinary surgeons carefully explained the complications involved with the meticulous reconstructive work needed for Duke’s shattered bones.

“His leg was broken so high up the hip that the surgeon said she could get one, maybe two screws in. But three would be difficult,” Debbie recalled. But the DoveLewis surgeon was committed to giving Duke the best possible chance at recovery. Before surgery, Debbie sat and prayed over Duke for a successful operation. The following day, there was good news. “I knew that he was a miracle,” Debbie said. The surgery had gone extremely well, and all three screws were in place. 

Duke’s bones were reconstructed and stabilized using corrective pins, and he was able to return home in two days. Since his operation, Duke made several visits to DoveLewis once a week to have his bandages changed. “He loves going there,” said Debbie. “He gets excited for Wednesdays. He knows when it’s time to come see you guys. It’s kind of funny. It’s kind of Duke’s day out.”

Debbie and her husband adopted Duke in January from a shelter. After several unsuccessful adoptions, Duke was slated to be put down. But Duke's  family wanted to give him a chance at life. When Debbie’s husband brought Duke home for the first time, she knew he was in the right place. “His eyes said it all,” she said. “He was so rambunctious and energetic and excited.”

Duke’s spirited nature has led him into some harrowing adventures. In February, he disappeared into the woods for six days. To his family's great relief, a stranger called after finding Duke some 20 miles away and returned him home safely.

Now, Duke is continuing to recover at home. He’s getting rest and using a sling bandage to help him walk, and continues to come in for reexams. Duke is looking forward to being able to run and play again.

DoveLewis Certified as a Top Veterinary Hospital in U.S.

DoveLewis recently received one of the top certifications among veterinary hospitals in the country. The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) recognized our facility with a Level 1 certification for exemplary patient care and outstanding efforts to raise public and professional awareness in the field of veterinary medicine. Only 28 veterinary hospitals in the U.S. are VECCS Level 1 certified, and DoveLewis is the only facility in Oregon to be certified on any level (I, II or III). We are proud to receive this certification, as it reflects our ongoing mission to provide the best emergency and critical care to animals while supporting the pet-loving community and advancing the field of veterinary medicine.

Thanks in advance for your support of DoveLewis.  We could not do everything we do here for the 15,000 injured or ill animals who come through our doors every year without the support of our wonderful donors.  The animals send their thanks for your support too!