Service Dog Injured In Hit-And-Run Recovering

St. Petersburg, FL — Zephyr, a service dog seriously injured in a Tuesday hit-and-run crash in St. Petersburg came through surgery on Wednesday with flying colors and is on the road to recovery.

“I’ve got great news to share,” Carrie O’Brion, spokeswoman for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, told Patch Thursday morning. “Zephyr’s surgery yesterday was very successful.”

Dr. Nicole Salas, Zephyr’s surgeon, was able to fix factures to the 7-year-old shepherd mix’s pelvis using a plate and seven screws, O’Brion said. All told, the procedure took about 90 minutes and the dislocation on the other side of his pelvis is likely to heal all on its own.

Zephyr was even able to leave the Tampa veterinary hospital’s Intensive Care Unit Thursday morning, “and is starting a little physical therapy,” O’Brion reported.

Zephyr and owner Paul Kostora were walking in the crosswalk near the 500 block of 3rd Street South early Tuesday morning when a car hit the dog. Kostra told the vets’ office the car’s driver hit Zephyr and didn’t stop. The vehicle proceeded to roll over the dog and drag him for about 15 feet.

Kostora tapped out his resources paying $1,500 for Zephyr’s care. Another $8,000 was needed to cover the costs of Wednesday’s surgery and other medical expenses.

Realizing the bill was too steep for Kostora to cover alone, Frankie’s Friends, a national pet charity stepped forward with an online fundraiser to help.

“Frankie's Friends has raised more than $7,500 towards Zephyr's surgery,” O’Brion said Thursday. “If we exceed the cost of Zephyr's care, the money will go to other Florida-area pets who need financial assistance.”

Kostora works as a clerk at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital where Zephyr is a bit of a celebrity. The two have been together since Zephyr was a pup. Kostora adopted him from a shelter in New Mexico and the two have traveled the country together, BluePearl reported.

Kostora’s love for Zephyr is so strong, he’s even dedicated a Facebook page for his beloved pooch. Kostora suffers from PTSA, BluePearl said, which is why Zephyr works as a service dog.

“He’s just an amazing dog,” Kostora said. “I know everyone thinks their dog is the best, but there’s really something special about him.”

Kostora isn’t alone in that opinion.

“It’s really the highlight for everyone when Zephyr comes through the halls,” Janice Wishart, a director at Palms of Pasadena, said. “He has a very calming presence. Everyone just loves him.”

To help with Zephyr’s medical fund, visit Frankie’s Friends online.

Photos courtesy of BluePearl Veterinary Partners