Service Dog Seriously Injured In Hit-And-Run Crash

St. Petersburg, FL — A Tuesday morning hit-and-run crash in St. Petersburg has left a 7-year-old shepherd mix service dog hospitalized.

Zephyr and his 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, BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa reported. 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.

Zephyr is now scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday at BluePearl. The operation is being performed to repair three fractures to the right side of his pelvis and to reattach the left side of his pelvis, Dr. Merrick Fultz said in a media release.

Kostora has already paid $1,500 toward his beloved dog’s care, BluePearl said, but needs more to cover the anticipated costs. Those costs are estimated at $8,000. To help out, Frankie’s Friends, a national pet charity, has stepped forward to host an online fundraiser for Zephyr and Kostora.

Zephyr and Kostora have been together since the dog was just a seven-month-old pup. Zephyr was adopted from a shelter in New Mexico and has traveled the country with his owner. The bond between the two is so strong, Kostora even set up a Facebook page for his beloved pooch. Kostora suffers from PTSD, BluePearl noted, which is why Zephyr acts as his 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.”

The folks at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, where Kostora works as a clerk, seem to agree.

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

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

Photo courtesy of BluePearl Veterinary Partners