WARNING: This video contains graphic images and may not be suitable for all audiences.
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December 7, 2009 – Memphis, TN

Mario Chiozza was driving in rush hour traffic on I-40 when he suddenly saw something large thrown from a pickup truck window. He soon realized the large object was a dog! This dog began running in the middle lane of traffic on the interstate.

The Rescue
Relying on his rescue experience and instincts, Mario started blocking traffic with his own truck and guiding the injured dog toward the concrete divider. Hanging out his window and using a catch pole from his car, Mario looped the dog and led her to safety. An off duty deputy helped Mario load the injured and frightened dog into Mario’s truck.

Savior was emaciated, and had several open wounds and a left eye with permanent damage that had to be later removed.

Emergency Care
Mario drove to the nearest veterinary clinic to seek help for the dog’s multiple injuries. The vet was unwilling to treat the dog because Mario was not the owner and the vet was concerned about payment for medical treatment. The vet encouraged Mario to euthanize the dog, but Mario could not consider such a thing. Mario contacted his personal vet, Dr. Greg Shaw, who did not hesitate to treat the injured dog. Dr. Shaw immediately attended the dog’s injuries and started her on the road to recovery. Inspired by Mario’s deeds, the on-call vet staff decided to name her Savior.

Savior’s Childhood
Mario looks at Savior, riddled with scars from her previous life, and wonders what she had been forced to endure. Based on her injuries, Mario thought Savior had most likely been used in dog fighting. Someone let other dogs repeatedly attack her in an attempt to get her to fight. And though she was malnourished, Savior had borne puppies several times.

Expenses
Savior’s medical expenses were significant but worth every penny. If Mario had taken the advice of the first vet, Savior would no longer be with us. Now, Savior is a beautiful and healthy pet who loves to make new best friends.

For weeks, Mario relived those moments and wondered:

*   What happens to other people in these situations?
*   What happens to abandoned animals that need emergency veterinary care?
*   What happens to the animals after emergency treatment?