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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
A resilient young golden retriever named Hope has overcome severe vehicular trauma and extensive orthopaedic surgeries to join a loving therapy-dog family in Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida 33901, United States. Cathy Cottrill reported on Hope’s inspiring recovery and adoption story for The News-Press on November 1, 2026.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida acquired Hope from Lee County Domestic Animal Services in July 2025.
The one-year-old dog had arrived at the municipal shelter with a makeshift splint on her back leg, severe limping, a broken pelvis, and a fractured femur resulting from an untreated vehicular collision that occurred at least a week prior.
Rescue administrators immediately transferred Hope to BluePearl Pet Hospital for emergency orthopedic surgery, where veterinary surgeons inserted a specialized plate, rod, and screws to stabilize her pelvic bone and fractured leg.
Her medical treatments and initial two-month low-activity rehabilitation exceeded $20,000, which was fully funded through a successful Facebook fundraising campaign supported by community donors.
Following her surgical procedures, Hope entered a specialized foster placement with Cliff and Roxanne Smith in Fort Myers, who are experienced pet therapy handlers and longtime supporters of the rescue organization.
Cliff Smith serves as the fundraising chairman for Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida, while the couple regularly conducts therapy dog visits across local community agencies with their three other rescued goldens.
Hope underwent specialized shock-wave therapy administered by Dr. Meghan Finley at Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center to improve her mobility and help her walk normally.
The physical therapy proved highly effective, allowing Hope to gain stability in her paw and transition into a happy, energetic pet alongside her adoptive family.
Now officially adopted by Cliff and Roxanne Smith, Hope spends her days cuddling on the couch, playing with toys, and running around her new home.
Her adopters credit the dedication of the rescue community and veterinary teams with giving Hope the full life she deserves.
My thoughts:
- Community-driven rescue fundraising campaigns ensure injured shelter animals receive critical, high-cost veterinary surgeries.
- Specialized physical therapy and shock-wave treatments play a vital role in restoring canine mobility following complex pelvic fractures.
- Experienced foster caregivers provide essential low-activity environments necessary for proper post-surgical orthopaedic healing.
- Integrating rescued dogs into experienced therapy households offers structured social support and long-term emotional stability.
- Immediate veterinary evaluation is crucial when rescued stray animals display signs of untreated traumatic skeletal injuries.
- Collaborative efforts between municipal shelters and dedicated breed rescues significantly improve adoption outcomes for severely injured pets.
Source: Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida, Lee County Domestic Animal Services, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center (Dr. Meghan Finley), Cathy Cottrill, and Cliff & Roxanne Smith
