Beloved Dog Saved by Hundreds Reunites With Truck Driver Dad After Near Tragedy

Kodak is the beloved dog of Daryl, a truck driver, who adopted him when he was just a puppy. They have traveled the country together, but a quick pit stop in Oklahoma was almost their last. Kodak got seriously injured and things were looking bleak for him until Stray Rescue of St. Louis stepped in to help, along with their community of supporters.

The rescue wrote:

“Last month while on potty break he got away from his dad [ed. note: he slipped his collar] and thought they were playing chase. He ran into the road and got hit by a car, absolutely devastating his dad. He didn’t have enough money for his life-saving surgery.”

After Kodak got hit, Daryl rushed to St. Louis to an emergency vet. When he learned he didn’t have the money to pay for Kodak’s surgery he was devastated.

Stray Rescue wrote:

“He left, bawling, after thinking he just said goodbye forever to his best friend. But the Vet office did not want to euthanize this beautiful dog. They called us to see if we could take him. Not only did we say yes, but we also asked for Ciabatta’s dad’s phone number.” [ed. note they initially called Kodak by the name Ciabatta]

Supporters of Stray Rescue of St. Louis rallied and donated toward the dog’s care. A total of 303 people chipped in to help save Kodak through Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ Shelter-In-Place Program.

In the video shared by the rescue, Daryl speaks directly to all of the supporters who helped Kodak and him, personally thanking them for their help. He holds back tears as he tells everyone that Stray Rescue can use all the help they can get—and that he’s joining the team.

Kodak pulled through his surgery, and his dad came by to see him. To say they were happy to see each other is an understatement.

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Even with his Elizabethan collar getting in the way, Kodak gave his dad kisses and tried to jump into a hug. He was so excited, he knocked his dad’s hat off. Kodak has a bit more healing to do, while his dad is working on the road, so it will be a few more weeks before they are fully reunited. Visit Stray Rescue of St. Louis website to support them and dogs like Kodak.