CONTRIBUTED

Maureen Burke-Horansky, director of Animal Advocates of Moore County, was contacted one recent Thursday morning at 5 a.m. regarding a young female Rottweiler that had been struck by a car and left on the side of the road in Harnett County.

Harnett County Animal Control was unable to respond but the Harnett County Spout Springs fire department did. While firefighter Debra Ackley stayed by the dog’s side, Gerri Rodriguez made calls trying to get help. After talking with Burke-Horansky, firefighters Jennifer Malinski, John Slocum and Andrew Rodriguez rushed the hurt animal to Pinehurst in their vehicle while she made arrangements with a vet.

Burke-Horansky drove the dog to Sandhills Veterinarian Hospital on Midland Road and flagged down Pinehurst police officer Gouch to assist in lifting the animal into the clinic.

Once at Sandhills Veterinarian Hospital, Dr. Ann Turner determined the dog suffered a fractured hip. It was given pain medication, treated for the fracture and is currently recovering there.

Burke-Horansky says the dog is very gentle and never tried to bite her rescuers.

“We assume she has an owner because her nails were trimmed and teeth in good shape,” she says. “She had on a dirty pink collar, but no rabies tag or identification attached. We hope her owner will come forward to claim this wonderful animal. The Harnett County fire department personnel should be commended for their act of compassion in helping this animal. They also pooled their pocket money for a donation to our group and all medical bills will be paid by us.”