Keith Gilbert, an 81-year-old disabled veteran, was loading his dogs into his car when his new service dog, Rivka, aka “Rat,” panicked and ran into the street. The German Shepherd Dog was then hit by a car going about 40 mph in a residential area.
Seeing your dog hit by a car is a truly horrifying experience. Gilbert and daughter Denise are also worried Rats may have broken their backs from their lying position after the impact.
An emotional Gilbert later told King 5 News:
“I thought she was a hangout, I actually did.”
Dog lovers and firefighters come to the rescue
Luckily, Natalie Luke and David Crump happened to be nearby at the time of the crash. They saw the car hit Rivka, and immediately pulled over to help. Luke explains her decision:
“It’s every dog owner’s worst nightmare. I saw the dog being hit by a car, it was thrown out of the car and fell to the ground… I quickly ran over to help because I am a dog lover.”
Using a sunshade from Luke’s car, they made a replacement backboard for Mouse. They use the shade of the windshield to gently slide the Mouse get off the busy, dangerous road and started treating her wound with a first aid kit.
Early, Aidan Casey and Bobby Foster from Seattle Fire Station 33 arrive at the scene. They walked in and provide more resources for treatment Mouse wound.
Firefighters commended the dog’s neighbors and family for their efforts to rescue and protect the Rat before it arrived.
“They did a great job of immobilizing the dog and safely getting it out of the way.”
Finally, Gilbert brought a guaranteed Rivka Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital, where she was rescued. Miraculously, her back was not broken by the accident. The proper procedure probably helped ensure she avoids a spinal injury.
After the veterinary hospital released Mouse, she and Gilbert went to Station 33 to thank her rescuers. Everyone is happy to see Rivka/Mouse doing well. Both Mouse and Gilbert were even more moved that kind people were able to have this happy reunion.
A dog is grateful to his parents and a veteran
Gilbert, not only a disabled veteran, is also battling cancer for the fifth time. He choked up telling King 5 News that he can’t even imagine How much harder would his life be without his beloved service dog.
However, the cost of dog care is increasing day by day. One GoFundMe . Page for Rats is much of the way to its $2,000 goal. Please donate to help a good dog and a veteran who loves her!
