Recovered From Amputation, Dog Rescued From Side Of I-355 Now Ready For Adoption

TINLEY PARK, IL — An adored dog whose resilience after being found critically injured along I-355 has inspired thousands is ready for her new home.

Five-year-old German shepherd/cattle dog mix "Mercy" was found July 5 near the 159th Street exit of I-355 by a Homer Glen man en route to church. Her injuries to one leg were so severe, veterinarians sprang into action and performed an immediate amputation.

Now just under a month later, "Mercy" is recovered and eligible for adoption through Tinley Park PAWS. As of Friday, she's listed as adoptable on the shelter's website.

"I have a feeling it won't take long after all the publicity!" said PAWS Tinley Park Board Director Dave Otto.

Mercy's Rescue

"When I drove by, she was sitting up propped up with one front leg," said Guy White, the man who first spotted Mercy. "She was panting and looked fatigued and desperate. She was very sheepish and timid.

"I stopped short of her as I was on the phone with the police as I approached. When she saw me, she laid down in submission and tried to give me belly. So right away I knew she was approachable and hurt and needed help. I could tell she was injured because she was limping and was bleeding down her front right leg."

Another bystander—identified by White as Amanda Buric—witnessed White's efforts and also stopped to help. Together, they rushed her to an emergency vet clinic, where PAWS Tinley Park intervened. A third woman also helped at the scene, White said, but he was unsure of her name.

Mercy appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, her leg badly broken. It required amputation for Mercy to live.

"While things were unfolding, I was on the phone with Guy looking up emergency vet clinics and calling places to figure out where he could take her," said Guy's wife, Rachel White. "Once he got her to the vet and they gave an estimate on what her expenses might be, I put together the fundraiser page right away."

White's online fundraiser quickly collected more than $4,000.

It has since increased to more than $6,000. The fundraiser is still active, and all funds will be given to PAWS. PAWS is also accepting direct donations toward her ongoing care.

White initially took Mercy to a clinic that would not be able to perform the surgery that day. PAWS Tinley Park Board Director Dave Otto met them, transferred Mercy into his car and took her to Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park, where a surgeon had been called in to operate immediately.

Everyone—from the man 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 Otto, board director with PAWS Tinley Park. "It was amazing that they were able to pick her up."

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 desire to help came naturally for White and his wife.

"We are dog people and have a sweet terrier mix rescue dog of our own named Junebug," Rachel White said. "We do care about helping all animals and people who need it when we can. And if it were our dog, this is how we would want her to be treated."

Mercy's recovery is especially poignant to the couple, who suffered the loss of a child just days earlier.

"Recently, we were expecting our second child and sadly lost him," Rachel White said. "I gave birth to him at 20 weeks, just a couple days before Guy found Mercy. We felt that helping this dog was a way to take our eyes off of our own problems and focus on helping Mercy when she was obviously in need.

"We are helping her get the healing she needs, and in return she’s helping to heal our hearts at the same time."

Mercy's Next Chapter

As she was recovering, Mercy needed to be medically isolated, Otto said, so she has not yet been dog- and cat-tested. Any potential family with another dog would need to bring their pet in for a meet-and-greet at the shelter, Otto said.

Now cleared from isolation, Otto said, "Now she will be treated a little more like the other animals."

PAWS staff said potential adopters should not be intimidated by Mercy's tripod (or as many affectionately say, "tri-pawd") status.

"Since entering the shelter, Mercy has experienced ups and downs during recovery," Otto said. "She will need a patient, loving adopter. Every dog is different, but many adapt amazingly well to a missing limb."

Anyone interested in adopting Mercy can submit an application through the website, or visit the shelter during its open hours:

• Monday: 7 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday: CLOSED
• Wednesday–Friday:
  • 12 to 4 p.m.  
  • 7 to 9 p.m
• Saturday-Sunday:
  • 12 to 4 p.m.

Per policy, all members of the household must be present before an adoption may be completed. Household members do not all need to be present at the same time; however, the shelter must have it on file that they have recently visited P.A.W.S. and agree to an adoption.

If you are living in a condominium or rental, a copy of your lease/bylaws is needed at the time of adoption to show that pets are allowed at your residence.

Have proof of vaccines, heart worm test & spay/neuter for any other pets in the home.

You must be 21 in order to view or adopt.