This is a story of resilience, compassion, and the beautiful things that can happen when a community comes together to save a life.
After a series of storms swept through the area, the City of West Plains Animal Care and Control, alongside Ozarks Pet Rescue, began working together to track down a Blue Heeler seen running loose around town. Several residents reported sightings of the dog, describing her as skittish and frightened, unwilling to approach people. Traps were considered in the areas she had been spotted, but unfortunately, they weren’t able to get them set in time.
Then came the heartbreaking news.
Shortly after the first public post about the Blue Heeler, she was struck by a car. Her jaw was broken, and her leg was dislocated. Thankfully, she was rushed to Priority Pet Care in West Plains, where Dr. Wes Gunter and his team immediately began emergency care.
It was then they discovered she was a young girl—just 8 to 9 months old—and sadly, she had no microchip. But what she did have was a fighting spirit and a community determined to give her a second chance.
The team acted quickly, performing emergency surgery to repair her jaw and leg. She pulled through.
They named her Porter.
Today, Porter is thriving in her foster home, receiving lots of love and support as she continues on her road to recovery. Though the journey is far from over, she’s already made remarkable progress. In the beginning, she was placed on a liquid diet and wore a cast on her injured leg. Porter is now enjoying soft foods and small bites of kibble. Her follow-up visit last week showed continued improvement—and she’s even received her rabies shot and heartworm test.
Porter’s recovery has been a true community effort. From the quick actions of the good Samaritan who rescued her after she was hit, to the dedicated veterinary staff, to the amazing team at Ozarks Pet Rescue—and to the kind souls who have donated to help cover her medical bills—Porter’s story is one of hope.
There’s still an outstanding veterinary bill for her care, and Ozarks Pet Rescue is asking for continued help. If you’d like to contribute, donations can be made directly to Priority Pet Care by calling 417-256-2838, or by donating to the Ozarks Pet Rescue account in her name.
A Reminder and a Call to Action
Porter’s story has a happy ending—but many others don’t.
Each year, an estimated 6 million cats and dogs are hit by vehicles across the U.S. Many are lost during storms, escape from yards, or are abandoned altogether. It only takes one phone call to save a life—so if you see a loose or frightened animal, please contact your local shelter, rescue, or animal control. You could be the beginning of their happy ending.
And if you’re a pet owner, make sure collars fit securely, fences are maintained, and your pets are microchipped. Prevention can save a life.
Porter is going to be okay. And that’s today’s Dose of Goodness.
This little soul, who may have been abandoned, is now surrounded by care and kindness. She is living proof that when people come together with compassion, incredible things happen. Sometimes, goodness looks like a warm meal, a healing touch, or a soft bed after a storm. Sometimes, it looks like Porter.
Meet Porter!
