Dakota's Story
Thanks to the wonderful care at the University of Minnesota, Dakota is now a happy 9 month old Labrador Retriever.
On Saturday August 20th, our puppy, Dakota was hit by a car. She was rushed quickly to the emergency vet, where her injuries were assessed. She was stabilized so we could transport her to the U of M Veterinary Hospital for emergency care. Dakota had very serious injuries including bruised lungs, internal bleeding and a broken pelvis. Dakota needed to be placed on a ventilator and her significant injuries required her to be in the ICU for many days needing a great deal of medical attention.
Fortunately Dakota is a strong willed puppy and quite the fighter, each day improving, her injuries healing. After 3 days she was able to start breathing on her own and on Thursday was deemed stable where the orthopedic surgeons could work to repair her broken hip/pelvis. She spent on more night in the hospital to be monitored and on Saturday August 27th, just a week after her accident we were able to bring her home to continue her recovery.
We used a towel sling to help support her hind legs as she started walking again and put rugs all over our hard wood floor and tile so it was not so slippery. Every day she got stronger and before long she was able to walk on her own. At the recommendation of the doctors we started taking Dakota to a rehab facility to help build up her muscle with exercises and walking on an underwater treadmill. We have been back to the University for x-rays and check-ups to confirm that amazingly her bones were continuing to heal on their own.
Our latest visit on December 6th was a happy reunion. It is so fun to see how happy all the doctors and technicians are to see her. Everyone has been wonderful to work with. Dakota is truly a miracle puppy and thanks to everyone at the University we are happy to have her in our family.
We wish everyone a happy holiday season!
Brian and Diana
Share your story
Have we helped your pet? We'd love to hear from you. Share your VMC story by emailing vmccomm@umn.edu. Don't forget to include a photo of your pet!
All stories
Abby's Story
April's Story
Austin's Story
Bailey's Story
Bailey II's Story
Bear's Story
Bella's Story
Bella M's Story
Bergie's Story
Beyla's Story
Bits' Story
Bowser's Story
Brody's Story
Buddy's Story
Buddy A/O's Story
Buddy the Beagle
Burnie's Story
Cassie's Story
Cassy's Story
Chaos' Story
Cheddar's Story
Chicolini's Story
Cilia's Story
Cooper's Story
Dakota's Story
Deke's Story
Demon's Story
Deuce's Story
Devon and Peanut's Stories
Diesel's Story
Duke's - I - Story
Duke's II -Story
Ellie Mae's Story
Evelyn's Story
Fletcher's Story
Flyer's Story
Gauge's Story
Gertie's Story
Giadin's Story
Gozer's Story
Gunner's Story
Helsa's Story
Henry's Story
Henry 02's Story
Jack's Story
Jun's Story
Keesha's Story
Kenny's Story
Kindersley's Story
Kobe's Story
Koji's Story
Kramer's Story
Larix's Story
Libby's Story
Libby M's Story
Lucia's Story
Lucky's Story
Maggie's Story
Maggiemay's Story
Maximus' Story
Merlin's Story
Mousey's Story
Nicholas' Story
Nesta's Story
Oliver's Story
Oreo's Story
Penelope's Story
P!nk's Story
Pre's Story
Ragnar's Story
Raleigh's Story
Rascal's Story
Rebel's Story
Riley's Story
Riley the Superhero's Story
Ritz's Story
Roxy's Story
Rosie's Story
Ruby's Story
Sadie's Story
Sami's Story
Sammy's Story
Scooby's Story
Scout's Story
Seamus' Story
Seoul's Story
Sergeant's Story
Shira's Story
Snoopy's Story
Sophia's Story
Sparrow's Story
Squirrel's Story
Stetson's Story
Sully's Story
Summer's Story
Tango's Story
Tantra's Story
Titus's Story
Tolouse's Story
Tootsie's Story
Twinkie's Story
Wrenley's Story
Wrigley's Story
Zigi's Story