They Left Rolly Paralysed On The Highway

A truck struck a large dog on the highway and simply drove away, leaving the poor dog behind.

Rolly, as we named him, lay there in agony, unable to move, while the relentless traffic rushed past him at high speed.

The cacophony of honking horns and angry shouts from drivers only added to his terror, as he lay vulnerable and frightened, amidst the flow of vehicles.

The shelter ambulance raced down the road, its siren piercing the air, as it hurried to reach Rolly before another driver, angered by his presence, hit him.

Every moment was critical; we had to get him off the road as quickly as possible.

As we arrived at the clinic, the vet team was already prepared, just as we had arranged.

They swiftly moved Rolly onto the stretcher, handling him gently yet efficiently.

We followed closely as they carried him inside, feeling a mix of worry and relief.

The clinic was bustling with activity, but the team focused intently on Rolly, quickly assessing his condition with the information we had provided earlier.

It was comforting to see their expertise in action, knowing he was in good hands. We waited anxiously, hoping for some positive news.

On Rolly's arrival, the vet team got to work conducting their preliminary assessment, noting any immediate actions they needed to take to keep Rolly comfortable.

They carefully examined his physical condition, checking for any signs of distress or discomfort.

The team noted his vital signs, ensuring everything was within normal limits. Observing his behaviour, they looked for any indications of pain or anxiety that might require immediate attention.

The veterinarians discussed a plan of action, considering various treatment options to address Rolly's needs.

One of the things that truly warms my heart about the team is their unwavering dedication to comforting our patients.

It's a top priority to reassure them and make them feel at ease in the clinic.

Dogs, like Rolly, don't understand why they're in pain or why they're in an unfamiliar place.

That's why gentle strokes and kind voices are so important to soothe them.

After the consultant vet completed all of Rolly's tests, he was given a meal. This moment is always bittersweet for me because it’s likely the first meal the dog has had in a long time, and their gratitude is palpable.

Rollys x-ray revealed that he had broken his spine & had a broken leg.

He also had a nasty rash from his urine. Rolly no longer had control over his bowel & bladder & as his urine spilled out it clung to his fur, soaking through to his skin sensitive to the acid in his urine causing burns to his skin.

He needed a shave immediately & soothing creams were applied to make him feel comfortable.

Rolly's condition was a significant concern for us. While the break in his leg could be mended with a plate, the damage to his spine was irreversible, leaving him permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

We didn't have any problems finding mobility aids for him, but the real challenge lay in finding a suitable carer.

In the UK, it's relatively easy to find someone willing to care for a dog with Rolly's needs, but the situation in Turkey was quite different.

The demand for caregivers far exceeds the supply, with so many dogs needing assistance.

After much searching, we were relieved to find a retired veterinary technician who was willing to take Rolly in. This was a huge relief and the start of a new chapter for him.

Rolly's story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by animals living on the streets.

He had been enduring a severe infection and organ issues before he came to us, he now faced yet another challenge when he was hit by the truck.

Tragically, it wasn't the accident that claimed his life, but rather the cumulative effects of his untreated health problems.

It's devastating to think about how different things might have been if we had been able to help him sooner.

His passing underscores the critical need for early intervention and access to veterinary care for stray and vulnerable animals.

Each loss like Rolly's is a heavy burden, reflecting the urgency to find those who suffer in silence before it's too late.