When Kati Dooley, a compassionate Good Samaritan, stumbled upon a dog in dire straits and brought her to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s emergency room in July 2022, she unknowingly tapped into what could be considered an informal “Good Samaritan program” at this animal care center. Her immediate reaction upon learning the dog survived was filled with emotion, “She lived? That makes me so happy. I think I’m going to cry.” This sentiment encapsulates the impact of individuals acting as Good Samaritans and the crucial role animal care centers play in these often life-saving interventions.
Kati’s story is a testament to unplanned acts of kindness. Freshly discharged from the hospital after emergency surgery, Kati was being driven home by her mother when they noticed a black dog slumped in a ditch along Highway 61, near a trailer park described as a “rough area.” Driven by compassion, Kati insisted on turning back. “As we got closer, I saw the dog dragging itself, unable to walk, slumped over. I told her, ‘I’ve got to get the dog,’” recounts Kati, a 30-year-old registered nurse at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital with prior animal shelter volunteering experience.
Thinking quickly, Kati attempted to coax the emaciated dog with shrimp, a snack her mother had brought for her. As the dog weakly approached, Kati offered red beans and rice. When the dog began eating, Kati seized the moment, securing her with a towel from her car. “She looked at me and wanted to run, but she gave up. I put the towel over her, picked her up, and put her in the back seat. She didn’t try to move. I called the LSU vet school. I’m so glad I had somewhere reliable to bring her. She needed help immediately. I didn’t think twice about where to take her,” Kati explained, highlighting the trust she placed in the LSU animal care center.
Image: Good Samaritans Kati Dooley and Jacqueline Perez Menjivar are pictured with Malia, a Labrador retriever mix they helped rescue and rehabilitate, showcasing the positive outcomes achievable through compassionate intervention and animal care center support.
Upon arrival at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, a clinician greeted them with a gurney, a clear indication of the animal care center’s readiness to handle emergency cases brought in by Good Samaritans. The clinician’s words, assuring Kati they would do everything possible, were met with tears. Kati confessed, “I cried, feeling like she was going to be put down, she was in such bad shape. I told myself, at least I got her out of her misery. At least she wouldn’t die alone. All the way to LSU, I concentrated on showing her love and attention to comfort her,” reflecting the emotional toll and compassionate drive of a Good Samaritan.
Emergency Care and Diagnosis at the Animal Care Center
The LSU Vet Med Small Animal Hospital’s ER and ICU service immediately began stabilizing the dog. A thorough examination revealed the extent of her suffering. She was diagnosed with a chronic, improperly healed fractured leg, severe emaciation, flea infestation, anemia, dehydration, and heartworm disease. Furthermore, scars covering her face hinted at a history of dog bites, painting a grim picture of her past. Despite her ordeal, Kati noted, “She wasn’t aggressive at all, even with all that had been done to her,” a testament to the dog’s resilient spirit.
Second Good Samaritan and Continued Care
Jacqueline Perez Menjivar, a veterinary nurse at LSU Vet Med’s Community Practice with experience in the ER & ICU service, became the dog’s second Good Samaritan. Encountering the dog in ICU, Jacqueline witnessed her profound weakness firsthand. “She looked at me and put her head in my hand. In that moment, I made a promise to her. I told her, ‘I’ll take care of you,’” Jacqueline shared, illustrating the personal connection formed by animal care professionals and their dedication to animal welfare.
Image: Malia, the resilient Labrador mix, is seen post-recovery, highlighting the successful rehabilitation provided by animal care professionals and the transformative impact of Good Samaritan actions.
Once stable, the dog, later named Malia by Jacqueline, was transferred to Companion Animal Alliance (CAA), the local open-intake shelter. However, with CAA operating at full capacity and facing resource limitations, Malia was at risk of euthanasia due to her medical needs. Jacqueline intervened, recalling, “I called CAA to check on her. Based on how sick she was and the lack of resources to help her, she was scheduled to be euthanized. I picked her up from CAA that day. I named her Malia and signed up to be her medical foster. She came home with me on July 11, 2022,” showcasing the critical follow-through required even after initial Good Samaritan intervention and animal care center stabilization.
Road to Recovery and Finding a Forever Home
In August 2022, Malia underwent leg amputation at CAA. Jacqueline lovingly describes her as “the cutest little tripod ever.” Despite the amputation, Malia’s resilience shone through. “It took her a bit of time to regain her strength, but she gets around very well now. She even has the zoomies from time to time,” Jacqueline happily reports. Now a healthy, 36-pound Labrador retriever mix, Malia, estimated to be five years old, has completed heartworm treatment and is fully vaccinated. She thrives with other animals and people, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for love and trust after her difficult past. “She is healthy and a happy, well-adjusted pup,” confirms Jacqueline.
Now, the focus shifts to finding Malia her “third angel” – a permanent adopter to provide a loving forever home. Malia became available for adoption through CAA on December 9, 2022. Individuals interested in adopting Malia can begin the process by completing the adoption survey and referencing her name and impound number 123622.
Kati’s initial act of Good Samaritanism, combined with the expert care provided by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and Jacqueline’s ongoing dedication, has given Malia a second chance at life. This story underscores the vital role of both compassionate individuals and animal care centers in rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. While LSU Vet Med may not have a formally named “Good Samaritan program,” their actions and responsiveness effectively function as one, offering a lifeline to animals brought in by caring individuals like Kati. The success of Malia’s rescue highlights the profound impact of these combined efforts.
To support homeless animals and initiatives like the care Malia received, donations can be made through December 16 to the Good Samaritan Fund.
About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is a leading institution dedicated to animal and human health through education, research, and compassionate care. As the only veterinary school in Louisiana and one of just 33 in the U.S., LSU SVM plays a crucial role in animal welfare and veterinary advancements. Their commitment is clear: We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.
