Brave whippet Harry fights for recovery after hit-and-run 

A fun-loving whippet from Charlesworth is making a remarkable recovery after a hit-and-run incident left him fighting for his life on the eve of his fifth birthday. 

Harry, described by his owner Angela Hunter as “the sweetest, gentlest soul,” was on his daily walk when the accident happened. Despite wearing a yellow lead to signal that he is a nervous dog, another dog approached him. In a panic, Harry broke free and bolted into the road, where he was struck by a car whose driver failed to stop. 

Angela said “It was terrifying. I tried to push the other dog away but Harry panicked and ran. The driver didn’t stop, and the owner of the other dog has not contacted me either.” 

Harry was rushed for emergency veterinary care with serious internal injuries. He required urgent surgery to repair damage to his diaphragm and lungs, and vets were initially uncertain whether he would survive. He also suffered a fractured vertebra, raising fears that he may never walk again. 

Against the odds, Harry has been showing signs of resilience and progress. After being transferred to a Dogs Trust non-profit hospital for specialist care, he pulled through his operation with better results than expected. Slowly, he began to move his back legs, eat on his own and even take assisted steps around the ward. 

Angela has shared updates on his journey: 

• First week: Harry survived surgery and began to regain movement in his legs. There is still a major concern over the extent of the damage to his spine and further CT scans may be needed. 

• Following days: He amazed vets by eating small amounts of chicken, showing determination to walk again with support and wagging his tail. 

• Homecoming: Harry returned home under 24-hour care to begin his rehabilitation programme. He is improving but getting him in and out of the garden takes around 1 hour and is a 3-person job. With help from friends, Angela has been carrying out daily physio exercises 3-4 times per day. The vets have recommended lots of supplements and light therapy. 

• Recent progress: Harry is still receiving round-the-clock support. He can now stand on all four legs with help and has been booked for hydrotherapy alongside the red-light therapy. His nerves are slowly recovering, and he is showing plenty of determination - along with a renewed appetite and vocal personality. His incontinence and bowels are still a concern but are improving. 

Angela said that community support has been overwhelming, “I’ve had so much help from friends and strangers. The kindness has kept me going through sleepless nights. I feel overwhelmed by how amazing people have been and am so grateful.” 

The initial cost of Harry’s treatment has already reached £9,000, and although insurance will cover a small part of it, Angela’s friend Mandy has created a fundraising page to help with the ongoing vet bills, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy. 

To help support Harry’s recovery visit: gofund.me/6d989734 

Angela added: 

“Harry really didn’t deserve this, especially the day before his birthday. Every donation will go directly towards his veterinary bills and ongoing care and physiotherapy, Every little bit helps and we are so grateful for your support and kindness.”