Shelby Woman Looks for Good Samaritans To Help Homeless Dog Get Amputation

A Shelby Township woman has taken it upon herself to get treatment for a puppy in need of a leg amputation after he was hit by a vehicle in Taylor last week while walking with his owner, a homeless man. 

The 8-month-old puppy, known as "Harley Boy," is being treated at Wilson Veterinary Clinic in Romeo and is awaiting operation on his leg. 

A slew of good Samaritans have made it possible for the Labrador and pit-bull mix who was rescued from a dog-fighting house in Detroit, to be alive.

Now, Shera Osier, is asking for a few more good-hearted citizens to come forward and help pay for the dog's treatment.

Osier said another $800-1,200 is needed to pay for the dog's amputation. To donate to the pup, visit Fetchdogrescue.blogspot.com or call 248-608-4000.

Love at First Sight

Osier first laid eyes on Harley Boy on Dec. 6 when she made a pit stop at a drug store in Taylor while working in the area. Osier said she noticed a homeless man, who had an adorable puppy by his side as he rummaged through the garbage looking for food.

The homeless man told Osier he had rescued Harley Boy from a dog-fighting home in Detroit. The puppy was going to be killed because he wouldn't fight. 

"He has the sweetest personality and he’s such a lover," said Osier of Harley Boy.

Osier told Patch she happened to have a box of dog bones in her car because she was coordinating a fundraiser for Fetch, a dog rescue non-profit based out of Rochester.

She gave the man the bag of bones and her phone number, in case he ever needed help with the dog. 

"I got a call Thursday from the homeless man, who was using someone’s phone," said Osier.

The man told her Harley Boy had been hit by a car, but a good Samaritan picked him and the dog up and drove them to Southland Animal Hospital. 

Veternarian Dr. Nath bandaged up Harley Boy's leg, but didn't have the proper equipment to perform the amputation, so he donated pain medication for the puppy and sent him off with his owner.

Harley Boy and his owner had been staying at a home owned by First Nazarine Church in Taylor. Dr. Nath and Osier picked up the puppy from his owner Thursday evening and brought him to Osier's veterinarian in Romeo.

"The man said to me, "Are you going to give me my dog back," she said.

Osier told Patch she would like to return the dog to his owner because all they have is each other but she has concerns Harley Boy will not survive a homeless winter with one leg.

"The homeless man and the dog are very much connected.  This is all the man has," said Osier. "But we want to talk him into surrendering the dog - with winter coming and being an amputee - I am not sure the man will be able to care for the dog."

Despite the trauma, Harley Boy remains in good spirits as he awaits his surgery, according to Osier. 

"He’s happy and wags his tail."

For more information, call 248-608-4000.