On the unforgiving SEPTA train tracks in Montgomery County, a pitbull mix faced a harrowing ordeal, utterly paralyzed and abandoned. For two long days, he lay pressed against the gravel, his life hanging by a thread as commuter trains thundered overhead.
Upon arrival, Sidara Son from Philly Rescue Angels encountered a scene of stark cruelty. Nearby, an unclipped collar and leash hinted at the deliberate abandonment of this helpless dog. The urgency of the situation prompted transit authorities to halt the Fox Chase train line to allow for a safe rescue.
VIDEO: Watch Lucky's Rescue: Two Days Trapped on Train Tracks
As rescuers approached, they prepared for a defensive response from the frightened animal. Instead, they were met with a gentle spirit; the dog, later named Lucky, looked up with pleading eyes. His hind legs lay limp, a silent testament to his severe injuries.
The rescue team, alongside animal control and transit police, carefully lifted Lucky into a secure transport vehicle. This delicate process demanded precision to avoid exacerbating the trauma to his back. Once at the University of Pennsylvania’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital, diagnostics revealed the extent of his injuries: a complete severing of his spinal cord, one of the worst spinal fractures the veterinary team had encountered.
Lucky underwent a six-hour surgery, receiving two stabilizing plates to help manage his pain, though it was clear that he would remain permanently paralyzed. For several days, the threat of myelomalacia loomed over his recovery, but Lucky’s spirit remained resilient, earning the affection of the hospital staff who described him as their sweetest patient.
As time progressed, Lucky transitioned from the intensive care unit to the general recovery ward. His stabilization marked a significant milestone; he began eating on his own, a positive sign in his recovery journey.
The first physical therapy session was a pivotal moment for Lucky, as he was fitted for a specialized harness. This was a crucial step in preparing him for life with a custom wheelchair. In the future, he would require a dedicated medical foster home to assist with his ongoing needs.
The extensive costs of Lucky’s surgery and ongoing care sparked a wave of support from the community and beyond, with donations coming in from as far as the United Kingdom. Philly Rescue Angels quickly organized local fundraising events, ensuring that financial barriers would never hinder Lucky’s care.
As people rallied to support him, Sidara Son reflected on the journey: “He fought for two days on the railroad tracks to survive, and now it is our turn to spend our lives fighting for him.” Lucky’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.
