Injured Puppy Who Found Himself in Alligator Territory Had Little Hope of Survival – Until This Cyclist Came Along

Next time you’re out biking, take the time to take in your surroundings. You never know what you might find!

Cyclists Chris Dixon and Jarrett Little were taking part in a group ride just outside Columbus, Georgia, when the group noticed an abandoned, badly-injured puppy. This beautiful five-month-old Great Dane mix looked like he had been hit by a vehicle, with road rash, a broken hind leg, and a broken toe. This poor little boy was also severely malnourished.

There was no question of leaving him, but there was one of how to take the puppy with them when all they had were bikes! After some trial and error, Little hoisted the dog up on to his shoulders, putting his legs in his jersey’s back pockets to keep him secure, and braced the dog with one hand. 

This thankfully worked for most of the journey, with Little then cradling the dog around his neck for the final two miles when he was slipping. Jarrett Little said, “We couldn’t leave him. Out there where he was next to Oxbow, he was going to end up alligator food. In my head, it was, ‘We’re saving you from that now, we will figure out the rest later.’”

This little boy found more than one good friend that day, because the moment the cycling group got into Columbus, they walked by Andrea Shaw, a Maine native in town on business. One look and she was smitten, and it went both ways! The puppy walked straight up to her and licked her, bleeding all over her new shirt!

Shae named the little cutie Columbo and even made him a Facebook account called the Adventures of Columbo to share stories of his recovery. Columbo has a cast on his leg, he had to be shaved for life-saving surgery, and it seems with all that’s happened to him, he’s also broken a tooth. But he’s doing so well, making a name for himself on both TV and online!

Columbo has now settled in with his new family members, both big and small!

We wish you well, Columbo! And will follow you on Facebook!

Columbo’s story might sound like a movie in the making, but it just goes to show what a difference a little care and attention can make. These cyclists saved this little boy’s life, and we want to hear about more heroes like these! Why not be a hero yourself and think about adopting a dog like Columbo into your family?

Also, if you’re an animal lover like Little and want to assist stray or injured animals, check out this guide with tips on what to have on hand to help!

Image Source: Adventures of Columbo/Andrea Shaw