Dog Paralyzed in Hit-And-Run Makes Inspiring Recovery, Seeks Forever Home

A Labrador retriever in the Bahamas was left paralyzed after he was hit by a car that then drove off, but following a remarkable recovery he's ready to find a new home.

Buster, a 3-year-old stray, had to drag his hind legs behind him for around a month after the hit-and-run, leaving his kneecaps raw and bloody down to the bone, before he was rescued by a nonprofit.

Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR) aimed to transport him to the Sunshine State as the animal organization in the Bahamas did not have the capacity to care for a dog in Buster's condition.

"When Lissa McCombe, the co-founder of the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!), called me to tell me about a dog who had been hit by a car in the Bahamas, I had minutes to decide what to do," Mike Merrill, FUR founder and executive director, told Newsweek.

"I hadn't met Buster yet, and we didn't have a foster open, but I knew we had to help. Lissa and I agreed that we needed to do whatever we can to try to save him. We scrambled to come up with a plan."

So McCombe "jumped into action" and organized X-rays and medicine for Buster, while FUR worked on a plan to get him to Florida.

"Kelly MacDade, our most experienced medical foster, ageed to foster Buster, but she already had a foster dog at that time," Merrill said. "We came up with a temporary plan for [the other foster dog] Ellie, so Kelly was able to foster Buster. Thanks to a group of volunteers helping us on the transport, we got Buster here safely."

Buster's Path To Recovery

Buster's journey to recovery faced some major obstacles as it became clear how severe his injuries were.

Buster had a severed spinal cord and surgery was not considered an option. His stomach was also infected due to having to drag his body around.

But while undergoing treatment in September, Buster was considered a candidate for spinal walking, where a dog learns to walk using gait patterning and reflex.

Following treatment, the change in Buster's demeanor was noticeable and he is now a playful dog despite his handicap.

He has since been assisted by a wheelchair and has a newfound love for life now he can get around with ease.

Buster's New Love For Life

"Kelly has poured her heart and soul into helping Buster, and thanks to her love and attention, he's gone from a miserable dog who could barely move to a happy boy who is loving life," Merrill said.

"His wheelchair has been a game changer for him, giving him back the mobility he lost after the accident. Despite his handicap, this is the best life Buster has ever had, in large part thanks to Kelly."

While Buster is currently being fostered, he is also looking for a new home, according to Adopt A Pet. He is described as "good with kids" and "good with dogs," as well as being "the most resilient, determined, and loving pup you will ever meet."