A young female pit bull dog is fighting for her life after she ran across two East County freeways and jumped off a bridge.
The pit bull, nicknamed “Hope” by her caretakers, ran loose across State Route 94 and then Freeway 125 Saturday night. When the dog reached a barrier, she jumped off the edge of the bridge, falling 30 to 40 feet.
The impact of the fall left the dog with broken legs, a possible ruptured bladder and a fractured femur, x-rays from the County of San Diego's Department of Animal Services showed Monday.
On Tuesday, Hope had additional x-rays done. Doctors determined she had trauma in her chest cavity that was being treated and after, they would treat the dog's fractured femur.
The dog was taken to a specialist to better take care of her injuries, the DAS said. Hope underwent surgery for her injuries, the San Diego Humane Society said.
The cost of Hope's treatment will be covered by the DAS's donation-driven "Spirit Fund" will cover the cost of the dog's health care, the Department said. Readers wishing to donate to the "Spirit Fund" can find the website by clicking here.
After the dog jumped from the freeway Saturday, people rushed out of their cars to try and help the dog. Those that helped, including one vet technician, were able to stablize the dog and get her care.
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On Sunday, East County residents came together in wake of the dog's health issues and started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the pit bull as it fought for its life. However, that page will now be closing and the funds will be forwarded to the Veterinary Specialty Hospital, the DAS said.
In just over 24 hours, the GoFundMe page had reached $1,000 of a $10,000 goal.
“If you can give, give as much as you can, as little as you can, every little tiny bit helps,” said Selena Gallagoes, a bystander. “And if you can’t, give prayer, prayers work, I mean that fall could've killed a human for her to have gone that distance and made it out as well as she did, she has a reason to be here and I think she deserves that chance to live.
