Dylan McCay and Emily Roberts never expected that their wedding savings would be put toward saving a life, but when they encountered a severely injured puppy on a roadside in Conway, Arkansas, they did not hesitate to act.
The dog, a young goldendoodle later named Acklin, had been hit by a car and left to die. McCay learned about her plight through a Facebook post, which described the puppy’s critical condition and urgent need for surgery. With the estimated medical costs topping $12,000, McCay and Roberts emptied their wedding fund and put the remaining balance on credit cards to cover the expenses.
On October 31, McCay drove 20 minutes to the location where the dog had been spotted, finding her shivering and gravely injured. Acklin’s back legs were severely fractured, and she was coughing, possibly indicating internal bleeding. Despite her obvious pain, the puppy sought comfort by resting her head in McCay’s lap.
After rushing her to Greenbrier Animal Hospital, the couple learned that Acklin’s injuries were severe—both of her femurs were broken, and she had bruised lungs. The team at the clinic recommended they take her to a specialist at Mississippi State University’s Animal Health Center for surgery, which could cost between $10,000 and $15,000.
With no hesitation, McCay and Roberts decided to adopt the dog, whose previous owner had only had her for a few days before deciding they couldn’t afford her care. The couple, deeply moved by Acklin’s plight, drained their savings and wedding fund to ensure she could receive the necessary treatment.
While the surgery was expensive, McCay started a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of receiving additional help. The response was overwhelming, and within days, the couple received enough donations—approximately $37,000—to cover Acklin’s medical costs and even help fund their future wedding.
Acklin, now recovering with physical therapy, is slowly regaining her strength. McCay and Roberts are eager to bring her home to join their family, which includes their other goldendoodle, Noodle, and two cats, Pepper and Bean. While the puppy’s full recovery may take time, the couple is committed to providing her with all the care she needs.
“Seeing how many people have supported us has been incredibly emotional,” said Roberts. “It’s reassuring to know there’s so much kindness out there.”
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