A Show of 'Mercy': Community Rallies To Save Life Of Dog Found Injured Along I-355

TINLEY PARK, IL — A dog found critically injured along I-355 July 5 is lucky to be alive, thanks to the quick thinking of good Samaritans, support of a local shelter, and skill of veterinarians.

Affectionately named "Mercy" by the people who showed her that exact kindness, the 5-year-old German shepherd/cattle dog mix was discovered July 5 near the 159th Street exit by the couple en route to church. They rushed her to an emergency vet clinic, where PAWS Tinley Park intervened.

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Mercy appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, her leg badly broken. It required amputation for Mercy to live. PAWS contacted Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park, which called in a surgeon to operate immediately.

Everyone—from the people who found her to the surgeon who worked quickly to give her the best shot at recovery—rallied around Mercy.

"What the people did was amazing," said Dave Otto, board director with PAWS Tinley Park. "It was amazing that they were able to pick her up."

The couple who found Mercy initially took her to a clinic that would not be able to perform the surgery that day. Otto met them, transferred Mercy into his car and took her to Midwest.

Mercy needed an immediate leg amputation to survive, PAWS updated followers, and Dr. Lukas at Midwest rushed her into surgery to save her life.

"The fact that Midwest was able to call in a vet that day to do the surgery—I don’t know that the dog would have made it if they did not call someone in," Otto said. "They really went above and beyond on this one."

The couple who found Mercy set up a fundraiser for her care, collecting more than $4,000. PAWS is also

PAWS is still working to find Mercy's owners. She is not microchipped, and while she was wearing a collar, there were no tags.

Otto said he's uncertain if an owner will be found, given that no one has come forward yet as her story gains traction across social media.

"It’s everywhere—if they were looking for her, I would think by now someone would have come forward," he said.

Having suffered extensive injuries, Mercy is still healing, but can stand again. While unsure of her personality on the other side of the trauma she's endured, Otto is hopeful they'll learn more about her soon. It will take some time before Mercy is eligible for adoption. She'll continue receiving care meanwhile.

"She does still have a long road ahead," Otto said.

If Mercy looks like your dog or the dog of someone you know, contact PAWS of Tinley Park at pawstinleypark@gmail.com. Email is the best method of contact.