Dog Hit by Car on I-95 Needs Surgery for Broken Pelvis

Police and community members are trying to find the owner of a young pit bull that was hit by a car on Interstate 95 in Bridgeport over the weekend.

Veterinarians with the VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Shelton, where the dog is now resting, said the pup will need surgery for treatment of a broken pelvis.

They've nicknamed him "Staffie," for Staffordshire Terrier.

Police believe the dog was involved in some sort of fight and ran out onto the highway in an effort to get away.

Nurse Tiffany Teixeira said she was heading home to Bridgeport after working an overnight shift when she noticed the pup limping in the fast lane near exit 29 off I-95 south.

She and two others – identified as Monroe Police Officer Karen O'Donnell and a man named Michael, a nurse at a local veterans' hospital – helped coax the dog to safety, according to Teixeira.

"We were able to slow traffic and help him cross the highway to the emergency lane. He did not have a collar on. We used an old belt that we found in the trunk of my car as a leash and had him lay down," Teixeira wrote in an email to NBC Connecticut. "He was very well behaved but scared."

Teixeira said O'Donnell called 911 while she and Michael found water to keep the dog hydrated. State troopers arrived with a truck and the group used a large piece of carpet to lift "Staffie" into the back.

They brought him to the veterinary clinic, where is resting and has been sedated. Despite having a broken pelvis, he is still able to walk on three legs, according to the clinic.

Staff members believe the dog has an owner because he is well behaved and neutered. They are hoping someone will come forward and claim him, since he does not have a micro-chip.

"He's really, really friendly. He's a sweet dog. He like to go outside for walks," said Dr. Bari Morris of the veterinary clinic. "Considering how much pain he is in from his injuries, he's still friendly. We think he's a pretty great dog."

His surgery could cost up to $10,000, and the veterinary clinic has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his medical expenses.

Anyone with information should call the VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center at 203-929-8600 or Bridgeport Animal Control at 203-576-7727.

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