Sorin the Scotty Hit by a Car in Chicago

Background

For many pet owners, one of the greatest fears is your pet getting out and being hit by a car. This fear became a reality for one family in Illinois when their rambunctious Scottie, Sorin, snuck out and went for a run through traffic.

Sorin’s Pet Parents, Jim and Mairin of Chicago, IL, tell the story:

"Sorin has always been a rambunctious Scottish Terrier, true to terrier form. Last February, I was doing yard work while Sorin was out in the front yard too, running around and playing. At the time we did not realize that the gate to the yard was not closed all the way, and when I turned around, Sorin was out of our yard and walking himself down the street. When I realized he had gotten out I went after him but Sorin thought we were playing a game of "chase" and would not come when I called him. I yelled to my wife that he had gotten out and I was going after him. The closer I got to catching Sorin, the further he ran-- with a mischievous look on his face. Eventually he got far enough away where I couldn't see him and I was worried because he was darting across busy streets. A man going for a jog helped me to track him down, but by the time we reached him, a car at a busy four way stop sign had hit him and driven away.

I could tell he was in a lot of pain; he was crying and not moving his lower half. My wife had come looking for us in the car, and picked us up. Sorin was in shock and we drove him immediately to the emergency vet. There they x-rayed him and informed us that his pelvis was fractured in three places, but he was not bleeding internally. They sedated him and the poor guy had to wait two days until the surgeon could operate on him. My wife and I felt horribly for the little guy, knowing that he had to lie in a crate and wait to be operated on. He eventually had a metal plate and two screws placed in his pelvis. When he was able to come home a few days later, he could not walk and had to stay in his crate full time. This was a trial for him as he is a dog who has a lot of energy and loves to play. We had to carry him outside to go to the bathroom and use a sling to support him while he went. After about 8 weeks he was able to go for short walks around the block like normal, but whenever he heard a car coming he would start to cry and turn around and run for home. It was very heartbreaking to watch.

Today, Sorin has fully recovered. He does get sore late at night and can be protective of his hind end. He is not afraid of cars anymore and fortunately seems to have learned that running away is not fun or funny. We're glad he is still with us and feel very lucky that he has recovered. This was a very expensive ordeal as well, so we feel fortunate that we had the foresight to purchase insurance for him. Without it we'd be in a huge financial hole as his accident ended up costing about $5,500. We feel that he is worth every penny though! Hopefully when he has his fourth birthday this May, it will mark another accident/injury free year. Thanks to Embrace for helping us through that difficult time!"