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FOUND! Lost dog who survived being hit by car reunited with his family

Posted at 8:51 PM, Jan 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-15 16:30:28-05

TUCSON, Ariz. - UPDATE: A lost dog who survived being hit by a car last week has been reunited with his family!

Yoshi's owners saw a picture of him on Pima Animal Care Center's website and contacted the shelter.

PACC says he got the surgery he needed to save his jaw, but he still has a long road to recovery.

"Sincere thanks to our supporters who ensured that Yoshi received everything he needed while in the shelter. It's only with your support that we can make a difference in the lives of our community's pets," PACC said.

ORIGINAL STORY: A dog found lying in the road on New Year's Day after being hit by a car, has been given a second chance at life.

Yoshi was discovered by a member of KGUN9's creative services team, Chris Miracle on the east side, near Broadway Boulevard and Harrison Road. With the help of a bystander, Pima Animal Care Center, and Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, Yoshi is now on the road to recovery.

Chris Miracle said when he saw Yoshi lying helplessly in the road, he knew exactly what had happened.

"I got him out of the road, and he was still alive, and i couldn't believe it," Miracle said. "After getting hit by a car and being so small, that he was alive and just fighting, fighting for his life."

With the help of another bystander, Yoshi was taken to an emergency veterinarian with extensive injuries, and later ended up at Pima Animal Care Center.

"We had to bring in a specialist to take care of him and to treat his wounds, his jaw was broken in several places, he was a mess, and shoulder problems if I'm not mistaken," said Nikki Reck, PACC's public information officer.

PACC reached out to Friends of PACC and asked them to put up money so they could help save Yoshi's life.

"Friends of PACC is able to step in and immediately say yes, we can spend three to four thousand or more dollars on one individual animal to give that animal a chance that it otherwise wouldn't have," said Sara Wolfe Vaughan, Friends of PACC Marketing & Development Specialist.

Yoshi received the treatment he needed to survive, but his recovery process is just beginning, and Chris Miracle is taking in Yoshi as a medical foster.

"In case's like Yoshi's, you really need a special foster who's really going to take care of him long term, and help him do better," Reck said.

Miracle said he's seen Yoshi at his worst, and can't wait to watch him get better. He also said this entire process has been a learning experience.

"If you see an injured dog, or injured cat, maybe not drive by. Maybe you go check it out and see if there's something you can do," Miracle said. "What a great way to start the new year, is being able to save this little guy."

PACC told KGUN9 that from November to February every year, they see an increase in the number of cases where animals are being hit by cars.

PACC said if you ever come across one, you have a couple of options. If you think it's really bad, call 9-1-1. You can also take the animal to an emergency veterinarian and explain the situation. If it's not an emergency, you can call PACC's dispatch line (520)724-5900.