Nala's Medical Fund

Julie and Derrick have a history of adopting puppies. Coming one year off of their marriage, and finally settling into the married life they decided to expand their family, open their hearts, and adopt again (they have raised a pug named Moose, who was also a rescue from an abused situation).  They adopted Nala and Riley just under a year ago and they have loved raising the two sisters together.  Coming from a rescue themselves, the girls took a hold of their new home and made a new brother with their older rescue, Moose.  The five of them are all loving, caring, and deeply passionate about each other. 



On Saturday, August 29th, Derrick and Julie were visiting a relative in the Newark area and decided to bring the puppies, Nala and Riley, along for a visit. After the visit, they had a few errands they needed to run in the area before returning home to Wilmington, so the relative agreed to dog sit for a few hours. When the pups started acting like they wanted to go outside, their sitter walked them out to put them on their running lines, but unfortunately she fell down the porch steps and lost her grip on Nala's collar in the process. Nala can be skiddish at times, and we believe that the fall spooked her, and she got away. 

Nala got away from her sitter in the Newark/Christiana area and there has been a non-stop search party going from neighborhoods, to commercial properties, and through the woods in search of her.  Once they were notified, they began their search immediately Saturday evening, looking well into the night. Sunday was a full day filled of searching, setting up posters, spreading the word, and knocking on doors.  Derrick and Julie even ate dinner in woods and searched for hours into the night.  By Monday afternoon, and 36 hours of her departure, things were looking grim.  

At around 7pm on Monday, Animal Control contacted Julie with word that Nala had been turned in by a man named Joey Megginson.  Nala had been hit by a car and was found on the side of the road near Rt. 273 and Rt. 4. There are a lot of unknowns with her current condition and future recovery.  She has two fractured vertebrae, some neurogological damage, and is stated to have a 50-75% chance of being able to walk again, and living a full, healthy life.


Joey, who is a saint through his actions, responded with spontanity and care that may truly give Nala hope in fully recovering.  The medical bills and rehabilitation is desperatly needed as the doctors/surgeon see positive signs (i.e. minimal responsiveness in her legs/paws).  Julie, Derrick, and their loving family  are doing everything they can to not see her put down, and are asking for any help.  We will all be fighting to get her back to functional health and in this time of need, we reach out to friends and family.  They have already incurred $3,000 of expenses in just the first night, and were told to expect an additional $7,500 for her surgery and post-op. She will require months of rehabiliation, accumpuncture, and additional medical expenses to get her healthy. Any donation would be beneficial and very much appreciated.

Nala is currently at Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware hospistal awaiting to go into surgery.  Derrick and Julie request that visits not be made at this time due to her current condition and state.

Again, Joey, we cannot thank you enough for you swift and caring actions - You are truly a wonderful person!