Doc had no idea why he was suddenly in a cold, unfamiliar shelter. One day, he had a home; the next, he was left behind because he could no longer walk. His owner said he simply couldn’t care for him anymore, and with no other options, the shelter placed Doc on the euthanasia list that very same day. His fate seemed sealed—until one person refused to let his story end there.
McKenzie, a dedicated foster, saw Doc’s plea for help and couldn’t bear to let him go without trying. She didn’t know what the outcome would be, but she knew he deserved more than to be given up on without a fight. Without hesitation, she stepped in and took him home, determined to see what she could do.
The next morning, she brought Doc to the vet, hoping for answers. What she got instead was devastating news—Doc was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a progressive and incurable disease that causes paralysis in the hind legs. The vet’s recommendation was clear: the most humane option would be to put him down before his condition worsened.
Hearing those words broke McKenzie. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to accept that she might have to say goodbye so soon. But through her heartbreak, she had one final request—if nothing else, she wanted to give Doc one last good day before making the painful decision. The vet agreed, and she took him home, determined to make every moment count.
McKenzie and her partner, Grant, set up a peaceful picnic in their front yard, giving Doc a beautiful day filled with love and sunshine. As he lay beside them, enjoying the fresh air, they decided to try something—just to see if there was any chance he could move.
They gently hoisted him up using a makeshift harness, expecting nothing more than a small shift. But to their absolute shock, Doc’s back legs moved. There was still life in them. He wasn’t completely paralyzed—he had motor function! It was a moment of pure disbelief, followed by overwhelming hope.
Right then and there, McKenzie and Grant knew they couldn’t go through with the euthanasia. If Doc was willing to fight, they were going to fight for him. They immediately canceled the appointment and committed to helping him in every way possible.
What started as Doc’s “last good day” turned into the beginning of a brand-new chapter. With time, therapy, and unconditional love, his journey was far from over. His story proves that sometimes, all a dog needs is someone to believe in them. And thankfully, McKenzie did.
