Semitruck HIT & RUN. They need your help!
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Shannon and I am fundraising for my sweet friend, cousin and dog sitter Marisa & her Son, Riley.
Here is what happened to them:
- On 2/6, During one of their recent pet transports, a semi-truck pulled out in front of them on a dark rural highway in west Texas and caused them to crash into his truck. The truck driver did not stop to help them. He fled the scene of the accident - leaving them for dead in the cold darkness. Luckily, another truck driver had witnessed it and pulled over to help. He setup traffic cones and made sure they were not hit again while they waited on the highway for first responders to arrive.
- Riley was pinned in the drivers seat and unable to get out. First responders had to use the jaws of life to get him out. He was lifeflighted to the nearest trauma center, which was in Lubbock.
- Marisa stayed on the scene to ensure the animals in the van were okay and then taken to the local shelter temporarily before she went to the hospital to be with her son and also get admitted and checked by doctors for her injuries.
- By the grace of God, they were both able to walk out of hospital that afternoon, though they were both very battered, cut up and badly bruised. Had it not been for that sturdy van, they would have been killed. Had it not been for their attention to detail and extreme care in strapping down and securing of the pets kennels in the van, the pets would have all been killed as well. They ALL survived.
- After getting out of the hospital and spending two days resting at a local hotel, Riley and Marisa decided that despite their soreness and shock at what happened, that they wanted to finish the pet transport and get those animals home. They felt like the truck driver ruined everything, but he wouldn’t stop them from getting the animals home.
- Their family and friends came together to support them, and they were able to get a temporary replacement vehicle to use. They picked up the dogs that were in the accident with them from the local shelter and then drove across the country, as originally planned, to deliver those sweet dogs to their destinations safely. They went at a much slower pace and had to stay at hotels every night due to their soreness etc. But - both dogs made it to their homes as promised. That was important to them to finish the transport! They did! No pets left behind!
After over 11 days of being on the road, dealing with the accident and getting all the dogs home safely, Marisa and Riley finally made it home themselves on 2/16. Over 4500 miles of driving…tails wagging and hearts open. They are happy to be home safe and ALIVE. However, they now face the reality of this unfortunate situation and the challenges to come over the next few months as they rebuild their lives and business.
For those who know Marisa and her son, they already know how big their hearts are and their love for animals. They make their income by providing loving pet transport and reliable pet/house sitting services all over the United States. They started their family business with nothing and they have worked hard to get where they are now. Last year, they saved up and bought a van so they could provide more space and comfort for the pets that they transport, as well as have a place to sleep during their trips to save money on hotels. Everything was going great and they put their hearts and souls into their work with animals.
Their van was their main source of income, and it was completely destroyed. They have had to cancel several bookings and lost a lot of income over the next few months because of this. They need time to work with their attorney, insurance and the police to sort this all out. It’s not cut & dry because it was a “hit & run”. There is no one to be held accountable for them. There is no one to arrest and get justice for them because the truck driver that caused this ran away like a coward. It’s not right.
I started this Gofundme to help them have some funds to get through the next few months until they can get everything sorted out legally/financially and also buy a new van so they can get back to doing what they love - working with animals and helping pet owners have true peace of mind regarding their pets care.
Please donate and share! Every single donation - big or small - will help Riley & Marisa in the months to come.
Let’s get them back on the road!
Thank you!
Shannon and Family
Organiser and beneficiary
Shannon Chaplain
Organiser
Braintree, MA
Marisa Hayden
Beneficiary
