NORFOLK, neb.- One Dog’s story or resilience, begins with a tragic accident.

Chicken Pot Pie was left for dead in a ditch in Texas while not being able to walk using her hind legs.

The Animal Shelter of Northeast Nebraska partners with Nonprofit Pilots N Paws who fly in hundreds of animals from across the county that need care, or would be euthanized.

Shelter Director Lisa Stapp says Chicken Pot Pie flew over 600 miles to Norfolk so she could get the care she desperately needed.

“She was actually an emergency case and had an emergency flight to Nebraska,” Stapp says. “She arrived the day after Thanksgiving and was able to have surgery the following Tuesday once our vets at Madison County realized it was a much more intense surgery that required a specialist.”

Her medical procedures combined costed thousands. But Stapp says thanks to reduced surgery fees and generous donors, the remaining expenses were covered.

“We’re very fortunate to work with Madison County Vet because of their talent and their willingness to work with us financially,” Stapp says. “It allows us to save many animals that other shelters just really wouldn’t be ”

Chicken Pot Pie underwent her first surgery at Siouxland Animal Hospital that has her walking again. 

Jeff Korus, who helps care for her at Madison County Veterinary Clinic, says after six weeks of healing, a second surgery should have her running.

“Pain-wise, she’s still limping around a little bit,” Korus says. “But compared to where she was, she’s way, way better.”

Stapp says giving the injured and over looked a chance at a normal life, is their mission.

“So we usually take the ones that we call the unwanted, where other shelters are either unable to pay for their care or they just don’t to mess with it.”

Stapp says Chicken Pot Pie is expected to make a full recovery after her second surgery, and will be available to adopt once fully healed.